This study reports the identification and sequence of a partial cDNA for bovine heparanase and the expression of its mRNA in the placenta during gestation. The 364 amino acid residues deduced from the 1092 bp cDNA fragment share 81.9% and 80.5% identity with amino acid sequences of human and rat heparanase, respectively. Northern blot hybridization showed that two mRNAs (2.0 and 3.5 kb) are strongly expressed in placenta, and weakly expressed in the kidney, lung, spleen and non-pregnant uterus. In the placenta, these transcripts were detected in the cotyledon at all stages of gestation examined, and in the intercotyledonary fetal membrane and caruncle on day 60, day 120 and day 260. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis showed very low expression of heparanase mRNA in the conceptus before implantation (day 17), but high expression in the cotyledon-containing fetal membrane (days 27-34) after implantation. Furthermore, heparanase mRNA was detected in the cotyledon, intercotyledonary fetal membrane and caruncle after days 60-64 of gestation. However, no significant expression of heparanase mRNA was observed in intercaruncular endometrium at all stages of gestation examined. These results demonstrate that heparanase mRNA is expressed in the placentome, indicating that heparanase may play a role in implantation, and in placental development and function.