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The distribution of laminins and fibronectins is modulated during extravillous trophoblastic cell differentiation and decidual cell response to invasion in the human placenta.

We studied the distribution of laminin (Ln) alpha1-alpha3, beta1-beta3, and gamma1 chains, and of the extradomain-A (EDA) and EDB and the oncofetal epitope of fibronectin (Onc-Fn) in extravillous trophoblastic cells and decidua in the human placenta by immunohistochemistry. We found that the transition from villous to extravillous trophoblast was accompanied by emergence of immunoreactivity for EDA-, EDB-, and Onc-Fn among the cells. Furthermore, whereas the villous trophoblastic basement membrane (BM) contains Ln alpha1, alpha2, beta1, beta2, and gamma1 chains, immunoreactivity for Ln alpha1, beta1, and gamma1, but not for Ln alpha2 and beta2 chains, was detected in association with extravillous trophoblastic cells. Interestingly, although immunoreactivity for the Ln alpha1, alpha2, beta1, beta2, and gamma1 chains was detected in all decidual cell BMs, EDB-Fn and Onc-Fn were detected only in decidua that had been invaded by the trophoblast. In summary, our results describe distinct changes in the distribution of Ln and Fn isoforms during the differentiation of villous trophoblast into extravillous trophoblastic cells. Furthermore, EDB- and Onc-Fn are preferentially found in decidua that has been invaded by the trophoblast, indicating that the deposition of these Fn isoforms reflects a decidual cell response to invasion.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Gene expression profiling of human endometrial-trophoblast interaction in a coculture model.

Investigating the interaction of human endometrium and trophoblast during implantation is difficult in vitro and impossible in vivo. This study was designed to analyze the effect of trophoblast on endometrial stromal cells during implantation by comprehensive gene profiling. An in vitro coculture system of endometrial stromal cells with first-trimester trophoblast explants was established. Trophoblast and endometrial stromal cells were separated after 24 h. Gene expression of endometrial stromal cells after coculture was compared with the gene expression of endometrial stromal cells cultured alone by microarray analysis. We confirmed the expression of distinct genes using real-time PCR. Genes up-regulated included those for inflammatory response, immune response, and chemotaxis (pentraxin-related gene 3, chemokine ligands, IL-8, IL-1 receptors, IL-18 receptor, IL-15, IL-15 receptor, TNF-alpha-induced protein 6, and IL-6 signal transducer), regulators of cell growth (IGF-binding proteins 1 and 2) and signal transduction. Also up-regulated were genes for growth and development, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism: DKK-1, WISP, IGF-II, hydroxysteroid 11beta-dehydrogenase 1, hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase 15, prostaglandin E synthase, prostaglandin F receptor, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A3 and phosphatidic acid phosphatase type 2B. Other genes included genes for cell-cell signaling (pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor 1), proteolysis, calcium ion binding, regulation of transcription, and others. Down-regulated genes included genes for proteolysis (MMP-11 and mitochondrial intermediate peptidase), genes for cell death (caspase 6, death-associated protein kinase 1, and histone deacetylase 5), transcription factors (sex determining region Y-box 4, dachshund homolog 1, ets variant gene 1, and zinc finger protein 84 and 435), and genes for humoral immune response (CD24 antigen). Trophoblast has a significant impact on endometrial stromal cell gene expression. Some of the genes regulated by trophoblast in endometrial stromal cells are already known to be regulated by progesterone and show the endocrine function of trophoblast during pregnancy. Others are genes so far unknown to play a role in endometrial-trophoblast interaction and open a wide field of investigation.

Adult↗

Differential regulation of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and 2 by nitric oxide in cultured human placental trophoblast and chorionic cell preparation.

Two types of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD) have been identified in different tissues. Type 1 has both oxidase and reductase activities interconverting cortisol and cortisone, whereas type 2 has only oxidase activity converting cortisol to cortisone. It has been proposed that placental 11 beta-HSD controls the passage of maternal glucocorticoids to the fetal circulation. However, little is known about the regulation of 11 beta-HSD in the human placenta and fetal membranes. We cultured human term placental trophoblast and chorionic trophoblast cells to examine effects of nitric oxide donors, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP), on the activity and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of 11 beta-HSD. At 72 h of culture, placental trophoblast formed syncytial clumps that were cytokeratin positive and displayed mainly type 2 oxidase activity, although some type 1 reductase activity was detectable. Chorion preparations contain greater than 90% trophoblast cells as demonstrated by immunostaining for cytokeratin and less than 5% vimentin positive cells. Type 1 reductase activity predominated in the chorionic trophoblast cells with barely detectable type 1 or type 2 oxidase activity. Both SNP (1-400 microM) and SNAP (1 mM) inhibited placental 11 beta-HSD type 2 oxidase activity but not type 1 reductase activity either in placental or chorionic cells. An inhibitory effect on type 2 oxidase activity was reproduced in part by 8-bromo cGMP, blocked partially by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY83583 (1 microM), but not by an ADP-ribosylation inhibitor N, N'-hexamethylene-bis-acetamide (HMBG) (10 mM). SNP also suppressed the expression of type 2 mRNA in cultured placental trophoblast in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect was also blocked by LY83583. We conclude that human placental trophoblast possesses predominantly 11 beta-HSD type 2 oxidase activity, whereas chorionic cells possess mainly type 1 reductase activity under the culture conditions employed. Nitric oxide specifically attenuated 11 beta-HSD type 2 oxidase activity as well as its mRNA expression in the placental trophoblast. The effect was mediated at least partially through the cGMP pathway, although an alternative pathway other than ADP-ribosylation may exist.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Small guanosine triphospatase RhoA and Rho-associated kinase as regulators of trophoblast migration.

The small guanosine triphosphatase Rho controls cell adhesion and motility through reorganization of the actin cyto-skeleton and regulation of actomyosin contractility. Among the putative target molecules of Rho, a Rho-associated coiled coil-forming protein kinase (ROCK) is thought to participate in Rho-mediated cell adhesion and motility. In the present study, we explored the expression and function of RhoA and ROCK in human trophoblast cells. The colocalization of RhoA, cytokeratin 8/18, and cytokeratin 7 in some cells located in the decidual stromal region indicated that extravillous trophoblast cells expressed RhoA. In double staining for RhoA and ROCK in human chorionic villi, RhoA staining was strongly positive in the cytoplasm of cytotrophoblasts, whereas ROCK stained in the cytoplasm of cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts. Both RhoA and ROCK were stained in cytoplasma of cultured human cytotrophoblast. Cultured human trophoblast cells contained actin stress fibers that were lost after treatment with C3, an exoenzyme produced by Clostridium botulinum. Y-27632, a selective ROCK inhibitor, suppressed RhoA-induced formation of actin stress fibers and formation of focal contact in trophoblast cells. The trophoblast reacquired actin stress fibers and focal contact after withdrawal of Y-27632. Cultured human cytotrophoblast cells from 7-9 wk of gestation migrated into a fibronectin-coated membrane. Both C3 exoenzyme and Y-27632 inhibited cytotrophoblast migration in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, cyto-trophoblasts express RhoA and ROCK in their cytoplasm, and RhoA-ROCK is involved in their assembly of actin stress fibers. Suppression of RhoA-ROCK reduces trophoblast migration. These findings suggest that RhoA-ROCK signaling is a key regulator of trophoblast cell migration.

ADP Ribose Transferases↗

Cytokine regulation of trophoblast steroidogenesis.

Activated monocytes and lymphocytes secrete cytokines that act as autocrine and paracrine mediators to promote and regulate local immune processes. These cell types are abundant at the maternal-fetal interface, and cytokines may play a role in pregnancy maintenance or failure. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of selected monocyte- and lymphocyte-derived cytokines on trophoblast progesterone and estradiol production. JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells were cultured in supplemented medium alone or in various concentrations of selected recombinant monocyte or lymphocyte cytokines. The cytokines were evaluated both individually and in combination. After 48 h of incubation, the culture supernatant was aspirated and stored at -20 C. Samples were then analyzed for steroid concentration by specific RIAs. Specific interleukin-1 (IL-1)-and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-neutralizing antibodies were evaluated for their ability to abrogate the cytokine's observed stimulatory effect. To evaluate the physiological relevance of the progesterone-stimulating effect observed with monocyte-derived cytokines, JEG-3 cells were incubated with activated monocyte supernatant or directly cocultured with activated monocytes, and supernatants from these cultures were analyzed for progesterone levels. The monocyte cytokines [IL-1 alpha (5 U/mL), IL-1 beta (5 U/mL), and TNF alpha (1000 U/mL) significantly stimulated trophoblast progesterone production (nanograms per mL): JEG-3 control, 4.1 +/- 0.5; IL-1 alpha, 7.8 +/- 0.9; IL-1 beta, 8.8 +/- 0.5; and TNF alpha 7.2 +/- 0.8 (P < 0.05). Neither the monocyte nor the lymphocyte cytokines altered trophoblast estradiol production. Activated monocyte supernatant and direct JEG-3-monocyte cocultures also significantly stimulated trophoblast progesterone production in vitro. The stimulatory effect of the monocyte-derived cytokines was specific, as demonstrated by neutralization assay. The increased trophoblast progesterone production was not due to enhanced cellular proliferation, but to enhance cellular steroidogenesis, as measured by quantitative DNA analysis. The lymphocyte cytokines (IL-2, interferon-gamma, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor had no effect on trophoblast progesterone production. We conclude that monocyte IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and TNF alpha may regulate trophoblast progesterone production through paracrine effects. Monocyte-trophoblast interactions may be significant in normal pregnancy as well as pregnancy disorders.

Cell Division↗

Multiple characteristics of a pentameric regulatory array endow the human alpha-subunit glycoprotein hormone promoter with trophoblast specificity and maximal activity.

Trophoblast-specific expression of the human alpha-subunit glycoprotein hormone gene requires a tightly linked array of five different regulatory elements [trophoblast-specific element (TSE), alpha-activating element (alphaACT), a tandem cAMP response element (CRE), junctional regulatory element (JRE), and a CCAAT box]. We examined their contextual contributions to trophoblast-specific expression by using transfection assays to evaluate activity of systematic block replacement mutations made within the 1500-bp 5'-flanking region of the human alpha-subunit gene. While all five elements were required for full activity, only the TSE and JRE displayed trophoblast specificity. Interestingly, the TSE-binding protein has limited tissue distribution whereas a JRE-binding protein appears trophoblast specific. Likewise, replacement studies with an AP-1 element that binds heterodimers of jun and fos indicated that this element was incapable of compensating for either the tandem CRE or JRE. This preference for both CRE- and JRE-binding proteins provides another avenue for configuring an alpha-subunit promoter with trophoblast specificity. Additional analysis with a cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)-Gal4 fusion protein further underscored the importance of CREB as well as suggested that transcriptional contributions come from both the DNA-binding domain and transactivation domain of this protein. We also examined the interactive nature of the pentameric array by placing a 15-bp random sequence between each element. Remarkably, only the insertion 3' of the CCAAT box diminished promoter activity. This suggested the absence of direct interactions between the transcriptional factors that bind each element in the array. It also suggested that the CCAAT box is position-dependent relative to the TATA box. This position dependence appeared cell-specific, as it was not manifest in a gonadotrope cell line (alphaT3-1 cells). Thus, the CCAAT box also has tissue-specific characteristics that assist in targeting expression of the alpha-subunit gene to trophoblasts. Together, these data suggest that multiple characteristics of a complex pentameric array of regulatory elements endow the alpha-subunit promoter with trophoblast specificity and maximal activity.

Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein↗

Inhibition of trophoblast stem cell potential in chorionic ectoderm coincides with occlusion of the ectoplacental cavity in the mouse.

At the blastocyst stage of pre-implantation mouse development, close contact of polar trophectoderm with the inner cell mass (ICM) promotes proliferation of undifferentiated diploid trophoblast. However, ICM/polar trophectoderm intimacy is not maintained during post-implantation development, raising the question of how growth of undifferentiated trophoblast is controlled during this time. The search for the cellular basis of trophoblast proliferation in post-implantation development was addressed with an in vitro spatial and temporal analysis of fibroblast growth factor 4-dependent trophoblast stem cell potential. Two post-implantation derivatives of the polar trophectoderm - early-streak extra-embryonic ectoderm and late-streak chorionic ectoderm - were microdissected into fractions along their proximodistal axis and thoroughly dissociated for trophoblast stem cell culture. Results indicated that cells with trophoblast stem cell potential were distributed throughout the extra-embryonic/chorionic ectoderm, an observation that is probably attributable to non-coherent growth patterns exhibited by single extra-embryonic ectoderm cells at the onset of gastrulation. Furthermore, the frequency of cells with trophoblast stem cell potential increased steadily in extra-embryonic/chorionic ectoderm until the first somite pairs formed, decreasing thereafter in a manner independent of proximity to the allantois. Coincident with occlusion of the ectoplacental cavity via union between chorionic ectoderm and the ectoplacental cone, a decline in the frequency of mitotic chorionic ectoderm cells in vivo, and of trophoblast stem cell potential in vitro, was observed. These findings suggest that the ectoplacental cavity may participate in maintaining proliferation throughout the developing chorionic ectoderm and, thus, in supporting its stem cell potential. Together with previous observations, we discuss the possibility that fluid-filled cavities may play a general role in the development of tissues that border them.

Allantois↗

Interleukin-8 can stimulate progesterone secretion from a human trophoblast cell line, BeWo.

Precise paracrine cross-talk between the embryo and the endometrium is essential for the establishment of a successful pregnancy. Previous studies have demonstrated that the expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the endometrium is enhanced during the late-secretory phase and early pregnancy. Furthermore, IL-8 receptor (IL-8R) expression has been detected in trophoblast cells of the developing embryo. To clarify the roles of IL-8 in the endometrium-embryo interactions, the effects of IL-8 on hormone secretion by trophoblast cells were studied using the BeWo trophoblast cell line that retains hormone-secreting properties of normal trophoblast cells. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, we found that IL-8R messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was expressed in BeWo cells. The levels of IL-8R mRNA and protein expression in BeWo cells were similar to those in primary first-trimester trophoblast cells. Progesterone (P4) secretion of BeWo cells was comparable with that of first-trimester trophoblast cells but higher than that of third-trimester trophoblast cells. Treatment of BeWo cells with recombinant human IL-8 (rhIL-8) had no effect on cell proliferation, as determined by the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Interestingly, secretion of P4, but not human chorionic gonadotropin, from cultured BeWo cells was significantly enhanced when the cells were incubated with rhIL-8. Our results demonstrate that IL-8 may play an important role in the endometrium-embryo interactions by stimulating trophoblast secretion of P4 for maintenance of a successful pregnancy.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

The free surface of mouse trophoblast in culture is non-adhesive for other cells.

Dispersed cells from cultured mouse cell lines, mouse macrophages, and inert microspheres were layered onto outgrowing mouse trophoblast in culture. The cells that settled onto the trophoblast remained round, in contrast to the elongated spreading shape they assumed on the glass substratum. The cells were readily dislodged from the trophoblast surface, whereas the microspheres were strongly adherent to trophoblast within 30 min. Scanning electron microscopy showed that trophoblast engulfed the spheres, but not the cells. Despite the lack of adhesion between cells and trophoblast, cell processes connected the two. The inability of cells to adhere to the free surface of the trophoblast could explain the trophoblast's ability to induce contact inhibition in co-cultured cells.

Animals↗

Loss of polar trophoblast during differentiation of the blastocyst of the horse.

Twelve blastocysts, collected 7-12 days after ovulation (Day 0), were examined by light and electron microscopy to investigate the nature of the relationship of the polar trophoblast (Rauber's layer) to the inner cell mass. On Day 7, the polar trophoblast was intact and formed a flattened layer overlying the epiblast cells of the inner cell mass. As blastocysts enlarged to greater than 1 mm in diameter, small discontinuities appeared in the polar trophoblast, where epiblast cells intruded onto the surface. At this time, trophoblast cells adhered closely to adjacent and underlying epiblast cells, forming an irregular layer of cells capping the epiblast. With continued increase in blastocyst size, polar trophoblast cells became isolated but maintained their characteristic apical endocytic structures. By Days 10-12, the scattered trophoblast cells showed evidence of deterioration, and vacuoles containing cell debris were common within the epiblast. It is suggested that polar trophoblast cells become scattered, rather than withdrawing as a unit, because they become more adherent to subjacent epiblast cells than to adjacent trophoblast cells. It is further suggested that most of the isolated cells are eventually phagocytosed by epiblast cells.

Animals↗

Production of capsular material by equine trophoblast transplanted into immunodeficient mice.

A novel xenogeneic transplantation approach was used to determine whether it is embryonic or maternal tissue that produces the material that gives rise to the mucin-like glycoprotein of the equine embryonic capsule. Endometrial biopsy samples and conceptuses from six mares at days 13-15 after ovulation were prepared as 1 mm(3) grafts of endometrium, trophoblast and capsule for transplantation, alone or in combination, into various sites in 88 immunodeficient (severe combined immunodeficient or RAG2/gamma(c) double mutant) mice. The overall recovery rate of grafts was over 50%, reaching 100% with experience and use of the renal subcapsular space exclusively. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining demonstrated capsule-like extracellular glycoprotein secretions at the graft site in 11 of 22 sites examined. Strong PAS-positive reactions (5-7 microm thick) were found in four of six sites containing trophoblast alone, five of six endometrium plus trophoblast sites, and zero of eight grafts of endometrium alone. Two recovered grafts of capsule were also PAS-positive. The secreted glycoprotein was identified as equine embryonic capsule material by using a monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific to equine capsule (mAb OC-1) in two experiments. In the first, in cryosections, this antibody bound to 19 of 19 recovered trophoblast graft secretions (including those in 12 from mice that had not received endometrium at any site), ten of ten recovered endometrium plus trophoblast grafts, and zero of 12 recovered endometrial grafts from mice in which trophoblast had been grafted to the same site or another site in the same mouse. In the second experiment, in paraformaldehyde-fixed sections of grafts from 11 mice, specific staining, identical to that shown by grafted capsule, was obtained with grafts of trophoblast (both alone and in combination with endometrium) but not with grafts of endometrium. These results support the contention that trophoblast is the principal source of equine embryonic capsule. In addition, they demonstrate that xenogeneic grafting is a useful means of culturing endometrium and conceptus tissues outside the mare when in vitro techniques do not suffice.

Animals↗

DNA ploidy and proliferative characteristics of human trophoblasts.

By using DNA cytofluorometry, DNA ploidy and the distribution pattern of human trophoblasts at different sites were studied throughout pregnancy, and the proliferative activity during cell differentiation of trophoblasts was discussed. In the first and second trimesters, cytofluorometric nuclear DNA analysis demonstrated that cytotrophoblasts in the tip of the anchoring villi (proximal portion of the cell column) consisted of proliferating diploid and tetraploid populations. Cytotrophoblasts in the distal portion of the cell columns consisted of non-proliferating diploid and tetraploid trophoblasts, as also did intermediate trophoblasts invading the maternal tissue. Villous trophoblasts consisted of proliferating diploid populations. In term placenta, villous trophoblasts were proliferating, diploid, whereas X-cells in the decidual tissue consisted of non-proliferating diploid and tetraploid populations. It was concluded that (1) trophoblasts in the generative zone consist of proliferating diploid and tetraploid populations, (2) intermediate trophoblasts having 4c DNA content were not proliferative, and (3) cytrotrophoblasts in the chorionic villi still had proliferative activity even in the term placenta.

Cell Count↗

Inhibition of trophoblast adhesion to endothelial cells by the sera of women with recurrent spontaneous abortions.

PROBLEM: May anti-phospholipid or other autoantibodies interfere with trophoblast-endothelial cells interaction in women with unexplained pregnancy losses? METHODS OF STUDY: The sera of 72 women with recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) containing antibodies to endothelial cells (28), trophoblast (14), and cardiolipin (10) or lacking antibodies (25), and 26 controls were examined in an inhibition assay of trophoblast adhesion to endothelial cells using an ELISA based on the recognition of trophoblast by antibodies to cytokeratin. RESULTS: Adhesion of trophoblast to endothelial cells was time- and dose-dependent. Patients and control sera inhibited trophoblast adhesion with mean values of 37% and 7%, respectively. Inhibition above 2SD of the mean control value was still observed in 58% of the patients sera and 8% of the control sera. Sera containing antibodies to endothelial cells had higher inhibitory effect (38%) than those with antibodies to trophoblast (23%) and cardiolipin (28%) or lacking antibodies (26%). CONCLUSIONS: Antibodies and other undefined factors in the sera of women with RSA inhibit adhesion of trophoblast to endothelial cells.

Abortion, Habitual↗

Apoptosis cascade progresses during turnover of human trophoblast: analysis of villous cytotrophoblast and syncytial fragments in vitro.

Growth and survival of the trophoblast layer of the human placenta depends on continuous incorporation of villous trophoblast stem cells (cytotrophoblast), by syncytial fusion, into the syncytiotrophoblast. Descriptive studies suggest that this process may be intimately related to apoptosis. We have analyzed the expression and activation of initiator and execution caspases, critical effectors of apoptosis, in relation to trophoblast turnover (differentiation) in human placental villi. We used immunohistochemistry, caspase enzyme histochemistry, caspase activity assays, Western blots, and autoradiography techniques on placental tissue sections, trophoblast lysates, villous explants, and isolated trophoblast fragments (villous cytotrophoblast and mononuclear syncytial elements) in vitro. Our data demonstrate expression of initiator caspases 8 and 10 and activity of caspase 8 in villous cytotrophoblast. Proforms of the execution caspases 3, 6, and 7 were also expressed in villous cytotrophoblast, but activation of execution caspases 3 and 6 could only be demonstrated in the syncytiotrophoblast after syncytial fusion. Down-regulation of the general transcription level (reduced incorporation of [3H]uridine) as well as cleavage of the execution caspase substrates poly-(ADP-ribose)polymerase and lamin B was confined to syncytiotrophoblast and preceded the final events of apoptotic death (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling reactivity and nuclear collapse). Our data confirm that the apoptosis cascade in villous trophoblast is regulated in parallel with trophoblast differentiation, syncytial fusion, and trophoblast turnover.

Apoptosis↗

[Trophoblast invasion in pre-eclampsia].

It is generally accepted that insufficient invasion of trophoblast cells into the myometrial portions of the spiral arteries is thought to play a crucial role in the development of preeclampsia. As a consequence, uteroplacental vessels fail to undergo adaptive changes which are imperative to provide a sufficient blood supply to the placenta. Consecutive placental hypoxia is supposed to cause secretion/shedding of still unidentified placental metabolites resulting in different forms of pregnancy-induced hypertension. This review presents published data concerning the causes of insufficient trophoblast invasion in preeclampsia. Expression of HLA-G by extravillous trophoblast cells seems to be altered, resulting in activation of the maternal immune system. The pattern of integrin expression as well as the secretion of proteases is reported to be disturbed, which could lead to a reduced invasive potential of the trophoblast cells. Recent data indicate a pathophysiological role of NK-cells and macrophages in the altered trophoblast invasion. Also angiotensinogen Thr235 polymorphism seems to alter early physiologic changes in spiral arteries. In summary, preeclampsia seems to be induced by a multifactorial disturbance of trophoblast invasiveness which is characterized by reduced invasiveness of the trophoblast cells themselves and by an activated maternal immune response blocking the invasion by the semiallogenic trophoblast.

Female↗

[Genome multiplication in the trophoblasts and glandular epithelium of endometrium during embryo implantation and placentation of silver fox].

Dynamics of genome multiplication during establishment of interrelations between the trophoblast and the glandular epithelium of endometrium was studied in the course of placenta formation in the silver fox. Endometrium response on the embryo implantation exhibits some features of inflammation. In the course of placenta formation the trophoblast gains access to the endometrial glandular epithelium zone, while the endometrial blood vessels grow the other way into the expanding trophoblast zone. The trophoblast gradually replaces the whole epithelium and part of the stroma of the endometrium, closely adjoining the endometrial vessels but not disrupting them. Cytophometric DNA measurements in the trophoblast nuclei have shown that most of the nuclei are polyploid: predominantly 4c-64c, occasionally 128c and 256c. Polyploidy of the trophoblast may result from various types of polyploidizing mitoses. Cytophotometric DNA measurements in mitotic figures have revealed mitoses with DNA amounts equal to 4c (2n), 8c (4n), and 16c (8n), which indicates that trophoblast cells in the silver fox placenta are able to enter mitosis prior to the octaploid level. Higher degrees of polyploidy in the trophoblast cells may be achieved presumably by endoreduplication. In the silver fox polyploidization of uterine grandular epithelial cells during placentation occurs until the level of 8c. Thus, the tissue-specific response of the uterus to the implanting embryo is an active proliferation and polyploidization of the glandular epithelium, rather than formation of a population of polyploid decidual cells (i.e. connective tissue cells). Using the silver fox endotheliochorial placenta as an example, a regularity has been confirmed that cells of both maternal and fetal origin are polyploid in sites of their contact in placenta, which might be of protective significance in the contact of allogenic organisms.

Animals↗

Characterization of trophoblast cell populations by lectin histochemistry in canine placenta during development.

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize populations of trophoblast cells in canine placenta during different stages of fetal development using lectin histochemistry. Dogs have endotheliochorial placentation and trophoblast cell invasion continues after chorioallantois villous penetration early in pregnancy, leading to formation of a labyrinth. Specialized subpopulations of cells differentiate, such as syncytial trophoblast that invades the maternal epithelium early in placentation and surrounds and forms intimate cuffs around maternal blood vessels. Marginal haematomata, which are lined by specialized phagocytic cytotrophoblast cells, form by mid-gestation. Invasive 'extravillous' cells advance into and remodel maternal endometrial tissues further. Placentas and attached uterine tissues were collected and sampled from six bitches at mid-gestation (days 31-33 of gestation) and 12 females in late gestation (day 42-term) for characterization of these tissues and identification of other populations of trophoblast cells. Uterine tissues from nonpregnant bitches were also collected at oestrus (n = 2) and during the luteal phase (n = 1). In histochemical studies, two of six biotinylated lectins that were tested stained cytotrophoblast and syncytial trophoblast cell populations differentially. Arachis hypogaea agglutinin (PNA) was specific for cytotrophoblasts in placental tissue lining villi and cytotrophoblastic cells with phagocytic or absorptive phenotypes in the necrotic zone at mid-gestation. In late gestation, cytotrophoblast cells with an absorptive phenotype at the interface between the labyrinth and lacunar glandular chambers were stained with PNA. Staining of other cells was minimal, with the exception of deep endometrial glands. Lectin binding using Maclura pomifera agglutinin (MPL) specifically stained the same cells as PNA and the population of invasive syncytial trophoblast cells remodelling maternal blood vessels and small maternal vessels at the materno-fetal interface, as well as trophoblast cells within necrotic zones at mid-gestation. Both lectins were positive for phagocytic cytotrophoblast cells lining the haematophagus organs. The results of this study demonstrate that lectin histochemistry is a useful tool for staining subpopulations of cytotrophoblast and syncytial trophoblast cells.

Animals↗

[Relationship between trophoblast cell's human leukocyte antigen G expression and early embryo development].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of soluble human leukocyte antigen G (sHLA-G) in trophoblast cells of spontaneous abortion after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and choriocarcinoma, and explore the relationship between sHLA-G expression in trophoblast cells and the early embryo development. METHODS: 14 cases of trophoblast cells of spontaneous abortion after IVF-ET and 6 cases of choriocarcinoma tissue has been detected, and which were compared with the 10 cases of trophoblast cells of normal villus. RESULTS: (1) One case (1/14) has positive sHLA-G expression in IVF-ET group, and other cases in this group are negative or faint sHLA-G expression; ALL cases in choriocarcinoma group are strong positive sHLA-G expression; All cases in normal villous group are positive sHLA-G expression. (2) sHLA-G is expressed on the cytotrophoblast cells, especially on the extravillus cytotrophablast. The expression level of HLA-G is obviously decreased in the spontaneous abortion group compared with normal group. For single cells, the staining on the choriocarinoma cells are stronger than that of the normal villus cells. CONCLUSION: High expression of sHLA-G in choriocarcinoma trophoblast cells and in trophoblast cells of normal villus and low expression in spontaneous abortion trophoblast cells indicating sHLA-G in trophoblast cells has some relationship with the early embryo development.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗