Objective: To investigate the expression of aquaporin (AQP)-1, 3, 8, 9 in human fetal membrane and their role in the human amniotic fluid circulation.
Methods: RT-PCR was employed for detection of the expressions of AQP-1, 3, 8, 9 mRNA in human amnion and chorion from 20 women with normal term pregnancy.
Results: AQP-1, 3, 8, 9 mRNA expression was detected in both human amnion and chorion, and no significant difference was found in their expression levels or between the amnion and chorion (P>0.05).
Conclusion: AQP-1, 3, 8, 9 can be associated with intramembranous transport and volume regulation of amniotic fluid.