title: Alpha 2-macroglobulin gene expression during rat development studied by in situ hybridization.
abstract: The sites of alpha 2-macroglobulin mRNA synthesis during rat development have been localized by in situ hybridization using a rat alpha 2-macroglobulin cDNA probe. Fetal liver was found to be the major site of alpha 2-macroglobulin mRNA synthesis. In addition, alpha 2-macroglobulin mRNA was detected in brain, spinal cord and eye. Alpha 2-Macroglobulin mRNA was quantitated by use of a sensitive RNAse protection assay. Maximal levels of alpha 2-macroglobulin mRNA were found in fetal livers shortly before birth. A rapid decline of alpha 2-macroglobulin mRNA occurred within 1 day after parturition. A similar time course, although at an approximately 20-fold lower level, was observed for alpha 2-macroglobulin mRNA in livers of pregnant rats. Alpha 2-Macroglobulin mRNA could also be detected in placenta. The levels were comparable to those found in maternal livers.
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus; D005796:Genes; D007249:Inflammation; D008099:Liver / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins