Fig. 5. hCG expression and secretion. (A) hCGß mRNA levels were determined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR in cytotrophoblasts treated with a scrambled antisense used as a control (dark columns) or with a specific Cx43 antisense (white columns). These assays were carried out 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours after plating. Values are the levels of hCGß mRNA normalized to the level of PPIA (cyclophilin A) mRNA. (B) Amounts of hCG secreted into the culture medium at 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours of culture in the presence of a scrambled antisense (dark columns) or of a specific Cx43 antisense (white columns). Values are means from three separate dishes±s.e.m. and the figure illustrates one representative experiment from the three performed. *P<0.05. Values of ßhCG mRNA and hCG secretion in the three independent experiments are shown in the tables. Graphs are representative of experiment 1.