Abstract
Recent research suggests a significant role for placental corticotropin-releasing
hormone (CRH) in controlling human parturition. This paper describes the expression
of CRH, CRH receptors 1 and 2, and CRH binding protein (CRH-BP) in gestational tissue
in late pregnancy. Placenta, myometrium, decidua, and fetal membranes were collected
after uncomplicated pregnancies at term caesarian section before the onset of labour.
The localisation and mRNA expression of CRH, CRH receptors, and CRH-BP were studied
by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. CRH receptors were detected
in placenta, myometrium, decidua, and fetal membranes. We demonstrated for the first
time the presence of CRH receptors on resident macrophages and on endothelial cells.
CRH receptor 1 mRNA was detected in all tissues investigated by RT-PCR, whereas CRH
receptor 2 mRNA was restricted to myometrium and decidua. CRH mRNA was widely expressed
in all tissue under study. Novel findings are also presented on the expression of
CRH-BP in the myometrium. This widespread expression of the CRH system in gestational
tissue suggests a paracrine role for CRH in the birth process (e.g. effects on macrophages
and endothelial cells).
Key words
CRH - parturition - endothelial cells - macrophages
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PD Dr. Wolfgang Schäfer
Universitäts-Frauenklinik, Klin.-Chem. Labor
Hugstetter Str. 55
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Germany
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