Expression of c-fos and c-myc genes in uterus and nonreproductive organs during the implantation period in the rat.
The c-fos and c-myc mRNA levels were investigated in the uterus and nonreproductive organs of rats during the implantation period (from day 5 to 7 of pregnancy). They were determined by densitometric analysis of slot blots and the mean values (n = 4) at a defined age of pregnancy were compared with those observed in nonpregnant control rats (NP group). No significant variations of c-fos level were observed in the liver and brain of pregnant rats. In the uterus, the c-fos level decreased, reached a minimum on day 6 (4-fold decrease compared with the NP group), and then increased. The c-fos level significantly increased in the kidney (2- and 2.5-fold on days 6 and 7), and in the lung (2.5-fold on day 7). The c-myc level did not significantly vary in the uterus, liver, and lung. It significantly increased in the kidney (3-fold on day 7) and in the brain (4.1-, 3.8-, and 6-fold, on days 5, 6, and 7). The changes in c-fos and (or) c-myc gene expression in the uterus and nonreproductive organs could be due to sexual steroids and (or) systemic factors from uterine cells or blastocysts.
Verneaux
V
V
Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Unité 198, Besançon, France.
Jouvenot
M
M
Compagnone
P
P
Propper
A Y
AY
Adessi
G L
GL
D000818:Animals; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D009928:Organ Specificity / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000302:isolation & purification; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism*
D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc; D012333:RNA, Messenger