Fig. 1. Northern blot hybridization of Hegfl mRNA in the periimplantation (days 1-8) hamster uterus. The expression of Hegf1 mRNA was detected in total RNA samples obtained from whole hamster uteri on days 1-4, and implant sites on day 4 afternoon and days 5-8 of pregnancy. Total RNA from day-1 mouse uterus was used as a control. An approx. 2.5 kb transcript for Hegfl was detected in the uterus. The blot was hybridized with Rpl7 to confirm integrity, equal loading and blotting of RNA samples. These experiments were repeated twice with similar results. Bar diagram above the autoradiogram shows the relative levels of Hegfl mRNA (Hegfl mRNA/Rpl7 mRNA) after densitometric scanning of the autoradiogram.