Expression of decidual prolactin-related protein in the rat decidua

Abstract

It is well established that rat decidual tissue produces a PRL-like hormone(s) that binds to the PRL receptor on both the corpus luteum and the decidual cells and initiates profound changes in the endocrine milieu required for the establishment of pregnancy. The recent cloning of a decidual PRL-related nrotein (dPRP) Dromnted us 1) to determine whether the expression oi this gene is t$gerei by decidualization of the endometrial stromal cells, 2) to examine the temporal and cell-specific pattern of its expression, and 3) to examine the role of both decidual signals and PRL on levels of its messenger RNA (mRNA). Total RNA was isolated from uteri of either nonpseudopregnant rate or DseudoDregnant rats with or without decidual tissue. A 1-kilobase mRNA sp&s hybridizing strongly with the dPRP probe was present in decidualized uteri. No dPRP mRNA could be detected in uteri not subjected to decidualization. Developmental studies indicated a con