DEVELOPMENTAL CONTROL OF IFN-ALPHA EXPRESSION IN MURINE EMBRYOS

The expression of IFN-alpha transcripts was investigated in murine emb ryos, fetuses, and fetal annexes in mid and late pregnancy. We have sh own by Northern blot analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and in situ hybridization the presence of IFN-alpha transcri pts in mouse placenta, fetus, and newborn. From the 14th day of gestat ion until birth, a typical IFN-alpha transcript (1.2 kb) is found in t he fetus. A transcript of larger size (2.2 kb) appears near birth and is present in the newborn mouse. Fetal annexes between the 10th and 21 st days of gestation also express IFN-alpha. From the 10th day until b irth, the 1.2-kb IFN-alpha mRNA species is present, as well as unusual ly large transcripts: 4 and 7 kb. To localize IFN-alpha transcripts, i n situ hybridization was performed, using. S-35-IFN-alpha antisense RN A probe in comparison with the sense RNA probe. The tissue pattern of IFN-alpha transcription in fetuses shows a clear labeling of many epit helia, such as skin, ependyme, and intestine glandular epithelium. A p ossible relation with cellular differentiation is discussed. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.