Table 2.
Expression of 20α-HSDs in the human cervix during pregnancy
| Gene | Term, NIL (n = 9) | Term, IL (n = 10) |
|---|---|---|
| AKR1C1 | 1.0 ± 0.19 | 0.68 ± 0.41 |
| AKR1C2 | 0.15 ± 0.07 | 0.02 ± 0.01a |
| AKR1C3 | 0.33 ± 0.15 | 0.12 ± 0.04a |
| AKR1C4 |
Real-time PCR with TaqMan probes specific for each AKR1C family member was conducted in endocervical scrapings from pregnant women before labor with an unripe cervix (Term, NIL) and after labor with a ripe cervix (Term, IL). Gene expression was normalized for RNA input using 18S and for epithelial cells using cytokeratin 8. Data represent mean ± sem and are expressed relative to that of AKR1C1 in pregnant women before labor.
a
P ≤ 0.05.