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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2003; 111(3): 154-161
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-39778
Article

J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Expression Patterns of CRH, CRH Receptors, and CRH Binding Protein in Human Gestational Tissue at Term

B. Wetzka 1 , B. Sehringer 1 , W. R. Schäfer 1 , S. Biller 1 , C. Hör 1 , E. Benedek 1 , W. R. Deppert 1 , H. P. Zahradnik 1
  • 1Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Publication History

Received: 10 April 2002 First decision: 11 June 2002

Accepted: 13 August 2002

Publication Date:
04 June 2003 (online)

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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

79106 Freiburg

Germany

Phone: +497612703014

Fax: +497612702948

Email: WSCHAEF@frk.ukl.uni-freiburg.de

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