Abstract
mRNA expression of receptors, retinoic acid inducible gene 2 (GPRC5B/Raig2), estrogen receptor α (ER α), retinoid X receptor α (RXR α), pregnane X receptor (PXR) and germ cell nuclear factor (GCNF), in murine placentae at 14.5, 16.5 and 18.5 day-post coitum (dpc) was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique. Strong expression of mRNA of GPRC5B/Raig2, which is a novel member of orphan receptor/G-protein coupled receptor-C and has great effects on cell growth, differentiation and embryogenesis, was first detected in placentae of mice. Moreover, mRNAs of nuclear receptors, ERα, RXRα, PXR and GCNF, were also detected in murine placentae. Wide individual differences in these mRNA expression levels were noted. These data indicated that GPRC5B/Raig2 and other nuclear receptors examined in the present study play important roles in placental function of mice. The findings will contribute to the assessment of the toxic effects of endocrine disruptors on placental function.
