The 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) receptor, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR gamma) is expressed in human gestational tissues and is functionally active in JEG3 choriocarcinoma cells

RNA was extracted from human gestational membranes and villous placental ti ssue following spontaneous delivery (n=15) or elective caesarean section (n =15) at term. The samples were subjected to Northern analysis, using a 2 kb cDNA probe for peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma. Th e mRNA was detectable in all choriodecidual and villous placental samples, irrespective of mode of delivery, but was only rarely detectable in the amn ion. The JEG3 choriocarcinoma cell line also expressed PPAR gamma. In order to evaluate PPAR mediated transcriptional activation in JEG3 cells, the ce lls were transfected with pTK-PPREx3-luc, a PPAR response element (PPRE) co ntaining luciferase reporter construct. Subsequent treatment with 10 mu M 1 5-deoxy-Delta(12,14)prostaglandin J(2) (15dPGJ(2)) resulted in an eight-fol d stimulation of luciferase production relative to controls transfected wit h the same construct lacking the PPRE. This stimulation was concentration-d ependent. These results suggest roles for PPAR gamma and its ligand in lipi d, steroid and inflammatory mediator homeostasis and in remodelling of gest ational tissues. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.