Sites of mRNA expression of the cystic fibrosis (CF) and multidrug resistance (MDR1) genes in the human placenta of early pregnancy: No evidence for complementary expression

The aims of this study were to establish the sites of mRNA expression of bo th the cystic fibrosis (CF) and multidrug resistance (MDR1) genes in human placental sections from early pregnancy (first, early and mid-second trimes ters). Riboprobes specific for each of these two genes were generated and u sed for in situ hybridization experiments. The results show parallel mRNA e xpression for the CF and MDR1 genes, with the signal detected in the syncyt iotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast cells of the placental villi. Other cell types within the villous core were negative. Similar results were obtained at all stages of pregnancy studied. (C) 1999 W. B. Saunders Company Ltd.