Constitutive androstane receptor expression in the rat cervix during gestation

OBJECTIVE: To investigate expression of the constitutive androstane recepto r (CAR) in the pregnant rat cervix. METHODS: Rat uterine tissue teas obtained on gestational days 12, 16, 20, 2 1, and 22 (the day a parturition), and postpartum day 1. In addition, liver , lung, kidney, heart, and skeletal muscle tissue were obtained. Expression of the two known CAR isoforms was evaluated using reverse transcriptase-po lymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: These studies confirmed CAR expression in the liver; however, CAR tons not demonstrated in the myometrium or cervical tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The currently described CAR1 and CAR2 isoforms are not express ed in rat uterine tissue; therefore, they do not appear to participate in p arturition in the pregnant rat. (J Soc Gynecol Investig 2000; 7:355-7) Copy right (C) 2000 by the Society for Gynecologic Investigation.