Distribution of α2-macroglobulin and α1-acid glycoprotein mRNA shows regional specialization in rat decidua

Abstract

In situ hybridization histochemistry was used to detect mRNA coding for the plasma proteins α1-acid glycoprotein and α2-macroglobulin in the rat decidua during the period when the chorioallantoic placenta is established. It was found that α1-acid glycoprotein mRNA was localized to a subpopulation of decidual cells predominantly found in the decidua capsularis but extending into the decidua basalis at later times. The highest levels of α2-macroglobulin mRNA were found in the decidua basalis where there was some overlap with regions containing α1-acid glycoprotein mRNA. No α2-macroglobulin mRNA could be found in the inner part of the decidua capsularis where the highest levels of α1-acid glyco..