Glycodelin gene expression in human peripheral white blood cells.

BACKGROUND

Glycodelin plays an important role in normal and abnormal reproductive growth. The in vitro properties of glycodelin have been studied in K562 cells. The role of glycodelin in vivo in the peripheral circulation has not been determined.

AIM

To determine if circulating leukocytes in normal subjects express the glycodelin gene, with a view to understanding its contribution to various disease processes.

METHOD

RT-PCR analysis of mononuclear cells isolated from the blood of healthy volunteers was used to show glycodelin mRNA expression. Immunocytostaining was performed using anti-glycodelin antibody.

RESULTS

PCR analysis illustrated the expression of the glycodelin gene in peripheral mononuclear cells. Glycodelin protein in these cells was confirmed with immunostaining.

CONCLUSION

The presence of glycodelin in peripheral white blood cells was demonstrated. The ability of glycodelin to stimulate angiogenesis and act as an immunosuppressive agent could be an indicator of the role of peripheral leukocytes in various disease states.