The expression of genes coding for positive acute-phase proteins in the reproductive tract of the female rat: High levels of ceruloplasmin mRNA in the uterus

Abstract

High levels of ceruloplasmin mRNA were measured in the uterus of both pregnant and non-pregnant rats. No mRNA for α2-macroglobulin and α1-acid glycoprotein could be detected in the uterus in contrast to the high levels of those two mRNAs found in the decidua in the mid-gestation period. Synthesis of plasma proteins with a protective function in the decidua or uterus may be important in maintaining homeostasis at different stages of reproduction. In addition, ceruloplasmin synthesis by the uterus may be part of a system transporting copper to the fetus.