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There is an increase in expression of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-2 alpha gene during pregnancy
M A Campo1, E J Rice, J W Kasik
1Metrohealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA.
Objective:
Our purpose was to identify genes that exhibit increased expression in the uterus during pregnancy.
Study Design:
A differential screen was performed against a pregnant mouse uterus complementary deoxyribonucleic acid library by use of probes derived from pregnant and nonpregnant uterus. Multiple clones related to the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-2 alpha gene were isolated.
Results:
Northern hybridization disclosed that message is present in both the gravid and nongravid uterus, but there is a substantial increase in expression during pregnancy. Expression is not found in a variety of other fetal and adult tissues evaluated (excluding placenta).
Conclusion:
The uterus (or cells present within the uterus) constitutes a major site of in vivo expression for the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-2 alpha gene, and expression of this gene is increased during pregnancy.