Glycodelin mRNA is expressed in the genital tract of male and female rats (Rattus norvegicus)

In the present study we demonstrate for the first time the expression of gl ycodelin mRNA in the female and male genital tracts of rats using non-radio active in situ hybridisation. Glycodelin fragment 1 (+41 to +141) shares 10 0% homology with the human gene sequence. In the ovary, glycodelin mRNA was restricted to granulosa cells, In the uterus, glycodelin mRNA was expresse d in all epithelial cells of the endometrium. In the male reproductive trac t, glycodelin mRNA was distributed in all epithelial cells of the epididymi s, the prostate and the seminal vesicle. However, in the testis, glycodelin mRNA was predominantly found in spermatogonia and in spermatocytes of the seminiferous epithelium. The expression in several reproductive organs of r ats offers an excellent tool to study further the physiological role of gly codelin, which is so far thought to act as an immunosuppressive factor.