Oxytocin receptor- and Oct-4-expressing cells in human amniotic fluid.

Background/aims: The present clinical and molecular study aimed at investigating the presence of the genes encoding oxytocin receptor (OT-R) and Oct-4 in human amniotic fluid cells.

Methods: Amniotic fluid samples were obtained from amniocentesis. Cells from human amniotic fluid samples were analyzed for mRNA expression of OT-R and Oct-4 via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunocytochemistry was also performed with OT-R and Oct-4 antibodies.

Results: RT-PCR from 10 independent amniocentesis samples demonstrated the expression of OT-R and Oct-4 mRNA. The cells also showed strong immunoreactivity for molecular markers of OT-R and Oct-4.

Conclusion: OT-R and Oct-4 are expressed in human amniotic fluid cells. The role of oxytocin in the physiology and pathophysiology of amniotic fluid cells remains to be settled.