The expression of DAZL1 in the ovary of the human female fetus.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether DAZL1 is expressed in human fetal ovarian tissue.

DESIGN

The presence of DAZL1 expression was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

SETTING

Academic tertiary care medical center and research unit of university.

PATIENT(S): Five female abortuses between the 19th and 22nd week of gestational age.

INTERVENTION(S): Fetal ovarian tissues were collected immediately after the cessation of the heart beat.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The product of RT-PCR.

RESULT(S): DAZL1 expression was detected in all five samples.

CONCLUSION(S): DAZL1 is not only expressed in human testes but also in ovaries. It may play a role in germ cell survival and gonad development in both sexes.