Trace expression of the germ-cell alkaline phosphatase gene in human placenta

We have developed hybridization probes that clearly distinguish the RNA transcripts of the two closely related human heat-stable alkaline phosphatase genes. RNA from the PLAP-1 gene, encoding the term placental alkaline phosphatase, is the predominant transcript in placenta from 8 weeks to term. Transcripts from the PLAP-2 gene, encoding the germ-cell or PLAP-like enzyme, are also detectable in the placenta, but at no more than 2 per cent the level of PLAP-1 transcripts.