Expression of alkaline phosphatase in differentiated rat labyrinthine trophoblast tissue

In this report, we describe the generation of specific antibodies to rat alkaline phosphatase and the temporal and regional characteristics of alkaline phosphatase expression during maturation of the rat chorioallantoic placenta. An antipeptide antiserum was generated to the amino terminal 15 amino acids of rat alkaline phosphatase. The antiserum specifically recognized alkaline phosphatase. Alkaline phosphatase expression was monitored in the junctional and labyrinth zones of the chorioallantoic placenta by Western and Northern blot analyses. Alkaline phosphatase protein and mRNA were present in both the junctional and labyrinth zones on day 13 of gestation. As gestation advanced, alkaline phosphatase mRNA and protein expression decreased below the limits of detection in the junctional zone, while alkaline phosphatase expression increased in the labyrinth zone. Labyrinthine alkaline phosphatase migrated predominantly as a 95-kDa species, whereas rat kidney expressed exclusively the 75-kDa species. Enzymatic deglycosylation of the 75- and 95-kDa alkaline phosphatase species resulted in the generation of a 55-kDa species. In summary, alkaline phosphatase expression is a useful indicator of trophoblast differentiation.