Gestational regulation of the gene expression of C-type natriuretic peptide in mouse reproductive and embryonic tissue.

C-Type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a vasoactive hormone and the endothelial component of the natriuretic peptide system. We examined the expression of CNP in mouse reproductive organs and embryos at different stages of gestation. Pregnant mice were killed and embryos were dissected on gestational days 9.5, 12.5, 15.5, 18.5 postconceptionem (pc) and at term. Nonpregnant mice were used as controls. Total RNA was isolated from placenta, ovaries, myometrium and from head and trunk of embryos and neonates. CNP-mRNA was quantified by ribonuclease-protection assay (RPA). Uterine CNP-mRNA concentrations increase during pregnancy up to the sevenfold concentration, whereas in the ovaries these levels decrease to 10% compared to nonpregnant controls. In the placenta, a peak of CNP expression has been observed around day 15.5 pc, whereby placenta showed the strongest CNP signals. CNP-mRNA concentrations in embryos are gestational age-dependent with a high level at day 9.5 pc in head and trunk. These results indicate that CNP has a regulatory function in pregnancy and embryonic development.