Cellular localization and evolution of prolactin receptor mRNA in ovine endometrium during pregnancy

In this study, we have investigated the expression of the prolactin recepto r gene in ovine endometrium during oestrus cycle and pregnancy. Using rever se transcription-PCR analysis, we provided evidence that the prolactin rece ptor gene is specifically transcribed in this tissue, As shown by Northern blot analysis, the level of the prolactin receptor transcripts increased dr amatically during late pregnancy. In situ hybridization experiments reveale d that prolactin receptor mRNA was specifically expressed in the glandular compartment and confirmed the dramatic increase of its expression that occu rs at the end of pregnancy. Taken together, these findings are consistent w ith a putative role of prolactin and/or related molecules in the regulation of the proliferation of the glandular compartment and/or in the control of the secretory activity of the endometrium, (C) 1999 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.