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. 1986 Dec 1;5(12):3151–3156. doi: 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1986.tb04622.x

Alpha 2-macroglobulin gene expression during rat development studied by in situ hybridization.

V Kodelja, M Heisig, W Northemann, P C Heinrich, W Zimmermann
PMCID: PMC1167305  PMID: 2434324

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.

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