Corticotropin-releasing hormone modulates human trophoblast invasion through carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule-1 regulation.

Abnormalities in the process of trophoblast invasion may result in abnormal placentation. Both the embryonic trophoblast and maternal decidua produce corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which promotes implantation. Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1), which is expressed in extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) of normal human placenta, may also function in tro-phoblast/endometrial interactions.

Constitutive regulation of the Insl3 gene in rat Leydig cells.

Insulin-like factor 3 (Insl3) is a major new product of the Leydig cells in all mammalian species so far examined. The rat Insl3 gene is encoded by two exons in close juxtaposition to the Jak3 gene. Using RT-PCR analysis we now show that in the rat testis it is expressed as both major and minor splice variants, the former encoding the normal protein, the latter a truncated peptide comprising a C-terminally extended B-domain.