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Carter AM. Genomics, the diversification of mammals, and the evolution of placentation. Dev Biol 2024; 516:167-182. [PMID: 39173812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
When and why did variations in placental structure and function evolve? Such questions cannot be addressed without a reliable version of mammalian phylogeny. Twenty-five years ago, the mammalian tree was reshaped by molecular phylogenetics. Soon it was shown, in contrast to prevailing theories, that the common ancestor of placental mammals had invasive placentation. Subsequently, evolution of many other features of extraembryonic membranes was addressed. This endeavour stimulated research to fill gaps in our knowledge of placental morphology. Last year the mammalian tree was again revised based on a large set of genomic data. With that in mind, this review provides an update on placentation in the nineteen orders of placental mammals, incorporating much recent data. The principal features such as shape, interdigitation, the interhaemal barrier and the yolk sac are summarized in synoptic tables. The evolution of placental traits and its timing is then explored by reference to the revised mammalian tree. Examples are the early appearance of epitheliochorial placentation in the common ancestor of artiodactyls, perissodactyls, pangolins and carnivores (with reversion to invasive forms in the latter) and later refinements such as the binucleate trophoblast cells and placentomes of ruminants. In primates, the intervillous space gradually evolved from the more basic labyrinth whereas trophoblast invasion of the decidua was a late development in humans and great apes. Only seldom can we glimpse the "why" of placental evolution. The best examples concern placental hormones, including some striking examples of convergent evolution such as the chorionic gonadotropins of primates and equids. In concluding, I review current ideas about what drives placental evolution and identify significant gaps in our knowledge of placentation, including several relevant to the evolution of placentation in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M Carter
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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2
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Dudley JS, Murphy CR, Thompson MB, McAllan BM. Uterine cellular changes during mammalian pregnancy and the evolution of placentation. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1381-1400. [PMID: 34514493 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There are many different forms of nutrient provision in viviparous (live bearing) species. The formation of a placenta is one method where the placenta functions to transfer nutrients from mother to fetus (placentotrophy), transfer waste from the fetus to the mother and respiratory gas exchange. Despite having the same overarching function, there are different types of placentation within placentotrophic vertebrates, and many morphological changes occur in the uterus during pregnancy to facilitate formation of the placenta. These changes are regulated in complex ways but are controlled by similar hormonal mechanisms across species. This review describes current knowledge of the morphological and molecular changes to the uterine epithelium preceding implantation among mammals. Our aim is to identify the commonalities and constraints of these cellular changes to understand the evolution of placentation in mammals and propose directions for future research. We compare and discuss the complex modifications to the ultrastructure of uterine epithelial cells and show that there are similarities in the changes to the cytoskeleton and gross morphology of the uterine epithelial cells, especially of the apical and lateral plasma membrane of the cells during the formation of a placenta in all eutherians and marsupials studied to date. We conclude that further research is needed to understand the evolution of placentation among viviparous mammals, particularly concerning the level of placental invasiveness, hormonal control and genetic underpinnings of pregnancy in marsupial taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S Dudley
- School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Christopher R Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michael B Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Bronwyn M McAllan
- School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Miglino MA, de Sá Schiavo Matias G, Rigoglio NN, Borghesi J, de Castro Sasahara TH, Del Portal MJI, Del Portal JCI, Granado GS, Ramos SCC, de Oliveira MF, Conley AJ. The comparative aspects of hystricomorph subplacenta: potential endocrine organ. BMC ZOOL 2021; 6:16. [PMID: 37170370 PMCID: PMC10127431 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-021-00074-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta of hystricomorph rodents, lagomorphs and some primates includes an unusual structure, termed a subplacenta, which essentially consists of trophoblastic cells located deep to the central implantation site within the area of decidualization. It has been suggested that the subplacenta is functionally important, although considerable controversy remains on the issue. In this context, our objective was to compare the architecture and structure of the subplacentas of different hystricomorph species, to investigate the possibility that it is active in hormone synthesis. METHODS In total, the placentas of 3 capybaras (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris), 2 pacas (Agouti paca), 5 agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina), 5 rock cavies (Kerodon rupestris) and 3 guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) at different stages of pregnancy (early, middle and near term) were used for gross and microscopic examination. This included the preparation of latex injection casts, immunohistochemistry for steroidogenic enzymes, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Tissue steroid concentrations were also determined. RESULTS The gross morphology and microvascular arrangement of the subplacentas were similar among the hystricomorphs studied including ultra-structural verification of cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast in all species. In guinea pigs, trophoblast cells exhibited characteristics consistent with intense metabolic and secretory activity in general. However, immuno-histochemical evidence also indicated that subplacental trophoblast expressed key steroidogenic enzymes, mainly in the chorionic villus region, consistent with tissue steroid concentrations. CONCLUSIONS The subplacentas within placentas of hystricomorph rodent species are structurally similar and, in guinea pigs, have potential for steroid hormone secretion from, at least the early stages of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angelica Miglino
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ-USP), University of São Paulo- SP, Ave. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508270, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo de Sá Schiavo Matias
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ-USP), University of São Paulo- SP, Ave. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nathia Nathaly Rigoglio
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ-USP), University of São Paulo- SP, Ave. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jessica Borghesi
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ-USP), University of São Paulo- SP, Ave. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Taís Harumi de Castro Sasahara
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ-USP), University of São Paulo- SP, Ave. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Juan Carlos Illera Del Portal
- Department of Animal Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Silván Granado
- Department of Animal Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Cristina Caceres Ramos
- Department of Animal Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alan James Conley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California UC-Davis, 3223 VM3B, Sacramento, California, USA
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Barbeito CG, Acuña F, Miglino MA, Portiansky EL, Flamini MA. Placentation and embryo death in the plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus). Placenta 2021; 108:97-102. [PMID: 33857820 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Caviomorpha are an exceptional group among rodents due to their extended gestational period and the delivery of precocial offspring. Among them, Lagostomus maximus is characterized by its polyovulation, polyembryony, and the highest embryonic death known in mammals. Its chorioallantoic placenta is hemomonochorial, an ancestral character among rodents. It resembles more the human placenta than the murine models. As in all caviomophs, the chorioallantoic placenta is divided in a main placenta and a subplacenta. The former is organized in labyrinth lobes surrounded by trophospongium, as in most caviomorphs. The giant cells (more numerous than in other caviomorphs) near the decidua could be related to invasiveness. During placentation of L. maximus, uterine natural killer cells are found. These cells have been related to invasiveness and remodeling of blood vessels in Mus musculus and Homo sapiens, although in other caviomorphs are not frequently found. In L. maximus, the placenta develops in all conceptuses (5-6 per uterine horn). Necrosis was observed in each implantation site at day 70 post-coitum, except in that closest to the vagina in each horn. This process of embryo death followed by resorption begins at day 26-30 post-coitum. Recently, we found variations in the percentage of blood vessel and uterine gland areas that could explain the regional differences in embryo survival. The characteristics of the placenta and implantation of L. maximus are important to stablish a unique model for studying placentation as well as early embryonic death, of interest for human and veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Gustavo Barbeito
- Laboratory of Descriptive, Experimental and Comparative, Histology and Embryology, Argentina; National Council of Scientific and Technical Research, CCT-La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Francisco Acuña
- Laboratory of Descriptive, Experimental and Comparative, Histology and Embryology, Argentina; National Council of Scientific and Technical Research, CCT-La Plata, Argentina
| | | | - Enrique Leo Portiansky
- National Council of Scientific and Technical Research, CCT-La Plata, Argentina; Image Analysis Laboratory, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina
| | - Mirta Alicia Flamini
- Laboratory of Descriptive, Experimental and Comparative, Histology and Embryology, Argentina
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5
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Favaron PO, Borghesi J, Mess AM, Castelucci P, Schiavo Matias GDS, Barreto RDSN, Miglino MA. Establishment of 3-dimensional scaffolds from hemochorial placentas. Placenta 2019; 81:32-41. [PMID: 31138429 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex, tissue-specific 3-dimensional network that controls cell processes. ECMs derived from various organs are used to produce biological scaffolds comparable to the native microenvironment. Although placentas are often overlooked, they offer a rich ECM for tissue engineering, especially the hemochorial placentas from rodents and lagomorphs that resemble the ones from humans. METHODS Here we established a protocol for decellularization and investigated the ECM in native and decellularized placentas of guinea pigs, rats and rabbits by means of histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS Effective decellularization were achieved by immersion in 0.25% Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate for 3 days, resulting in an intact ECM, while cells or nuclei were absent. All species had a high diversity of ECM components that varied between areas. DISCUSSION Dense fibrous networks in the junctional zone were strongly positive to collagen I, III and IV, fibronectin, and laminin ECM markers. Noticeable response were also found for the decidua, especially along the maternal vessels. The labyrinth had thin fibers strongly positive for fibronectin and laminin, but not much for collagens. In conclusion, we established an effective protocol to obtain biological scaffolds from animal models with hemochorial placentas that possessed promising values for future purposes in Regenerative Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phelipe O Favaron
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Borghesi
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrea Maria Mess
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia Castelucci
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo de Sá Schiavo Matias
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo da Silva Nunes Barreto
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Maria Angelica Miglino
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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6
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Lynch S, Pfeiffer CM, Georgieff MK, Brittenham G, Fairweather-Tait S, Hurrell RF, McArdle HJ, Raiten DJ. Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development (BOND)-Iron Review. J Nutr 2018; 148:1001S-1067S. [PMID: 29878148 PMCID: PMC6297556 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxx036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the fifth in the series of reviews developed as part of the Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development (BOND) program. The BOND Iron Expert Panel (I-EP) reviewed the extant knowledge regarding iron biology, public health implications, and the relative usefulness of currently available biomarkers of iron status from deficiency to overload. Approaches to assessing intake, including bioavailability, are also covered. The report also covers technical and laboratory considerations for the use of available biomarkers of iron status, and concludes with a description of research priorities along with a brief discussion of new biomarkers with potential for use across the spectrum of activities related to the study of iron in human health.The I-EP concluded that current iron biomarkers are reliable for accurately assessing many aspects of iron nutrition. However, a clear distinction is made between the relative strengths of biomarkers to assess hematological consequences of iron deficiency versus other putative functional outcomes, particularly the relationship between maternal and fetal iron status during pregnancy, birth outcomes, and infant cognitive, motor and emotional development. The I-EP also highlighted the importance of considering the confounding effects of inflammation and infection on the interpretation of iron biomarker results, as well as the impact of life stage. Finally, alternative approaches to the evaluation of the risk for nutritional iron overload at the population level are presented, because the currently designated upper limits for the biomarker generally employed (serum ferritin) may not differentiate between true iron overload and the effects of subclinical inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine M Pfeiffer
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Michael K Georgieff
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Gary Brittenham
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - Susan Fairweather-Tait
- Department of Nutrition, Norwich Medical School, Norwich Research Park, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7JT, UK
| | - Richard F Hurrell
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Harry J McArdle
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, UK
| | - Daniel J Raiten
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
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Carter AM. Classics revisited: Dietrich Starck on comparative embryology and placentation. Placenta 2017; 58:82-85. [PMID: 28962700 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.08.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietrich Starck (1908-2001) was a German embryologist who wrote extensive reviews on comparative placentation. FINDINGS Starck's embryology textbook and his comprehensive review of comparative embryology and placentation give excellent insights into the foundational literature and are extensively referenced. The many original illustrations include placentas from species that are not well described elsewhere. CONCLUSIONS These resources are especially valuable as a portal to the early literature on comparative placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Carter
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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8
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da Anunciação ARA, Mess AM, Orechio D, Aguiar BA, Favaron PO, Miglino MA. Extracellular matrix in epitheliochorial, endotheliochorial and haemochorial placentation and its potential application for regenerative medicine. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 52:3-15. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- ARA da Anunciação
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; University of Sao Paulo; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - AM Mess
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; University of Sao Paulo; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - D Orechio
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; University of Sao Paulo; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - BA Aguiar
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; University of Sao Paulo; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - PO Favaron
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; University of Sao Paulo; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - MA Miglino
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; University of Sao Paulo; Sao Paulo Brazil
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9
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Lobo SE, Leonel LCP, Miranda CM, Coelho TM, Ferreira GA, Mess A, Abrão MS, Miglino MA. The Placenta as an Organ and a Source of Stem Cells and Extracellular Matrix: A Review. Cells Tissues Organs 2016; 201:239-52. [DOI: 10.1159/000443636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a temporal, dynamic and diverse organ with important immunological features that facilitate embryonic and fetal development and survival, notwithstanding the fact that several aspects of its formation and function closely resemble tumor progression. Placentation in mammals is commonly used to characterize the evolution of species, including insights into human evolution. Although most placentas are discarded after birth, they are a high-yield source for the isolation of stem/progenitor cells and are rich in extracellular matrix (ECM), representing an important resource for regenerative medicine purposes. Interactions among cells, ECM and bioactive molecules regulate tissue and organ generation and comprise the foundation of tissue engineering. In the present article, differences among several mammalian species regarding the placental types and classifications, phenotypes and potency of placenta-derived stem/progenitor cells, placental ECM components and current placental ECM applications were reviewed to highlight their potential clinical and biomedical relevance.
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Carter AM, Enders AC, Pijnenborg R. The role of invasive trophoblast in implantation and placentation of primates. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 370:20140070. [PMID: 25602074 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We here review the evolution of invasive placentation in primates towards the deep penetration of the endometrium and its arteries in hominoids. The strepsirrhine primates (lemurs and lorises) have non-invasive, epitheliochorial placentation, although this is thought to be derived from a more invasive type. In haplorhine primates, there is differentiation of trophoblast at the blastocyst stage into syncytial and cellular trophoblast. Implantation involves syncytiotrophoblast that first removes the uterine epithelium then consolidates at the basal lamina before continuing into the stroma. In later stages of pregnancy, especially in Old World monkeys and apes, cytotrophoblast plays a greater role in the invasive process. Columns of trophoblast cells advance to the base of the implantation site where they spread out to form a cytotrophoblastic shell. In addition, cytotrophoblasts advance into the lumen of the spiral arteries. They are responsible for remodelling these vessels to form wide, low-resistance conduits. In human and great apes, there is additional invasion of the endometrium and its vessels by trophoblasts originating from the base of the anchoring villi. Deep trophoblast invasion that extends remodelling of the spiral arteries to segments in the inner myometrium evolved in the common ancestor of gorilla, chimp and human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M Carter
- Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Allen C Enders
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Robert Pijnenborg
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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11
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Blackburn DG, Starck JM. Morphological specializations for fetal maintenance in viviparous vertebrates: An introduction and historical retrospective. J Morphol 2015; 276:E1-16. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Blackburn
- Department of Biology; and Electron Microscopy Center; Trinity College; Hartford Connecticut 06106
| | - J. Matthias Starck
- Department of Biology; University of Munich; D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried Germany
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12
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Placental Evolution within the Supraordinal Clades of Eutheria with the Perspective of Alternative Animal Models for Human Placentation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1155/2014/639274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Here a survey of placental evolution is conducted. Placentation is a key factor for the evolution of placental mammals that had evolved an astonishing diversity. As a temporary organ that does not allow easy access, it is still not well understood. The lack of data also is a restriction for better understanding of placental development, structure, and function in the human. Animal models are essential, because experimental access to the human placenta is naturally restricted. However, there is not a single ideal model that is entirely similar to humans. It is particularly important to establish other models than the mouse, which is characterised by a short gestation period and poorly developed neonates that may provide insights only for early human pregnancy. In conclusion, current evolutionary studies have contributed essentially to providing a pool of experimental models for recent and future approaches that may also meet the requirements of a long gestation period and advanced developmental status of the newborn in the human. Suitability and limitations of taxa as alternative animal models are discussed. However, further investigations especially in wildlife taxa should be conducted in order to learn more about the full evolutionary plasticity of the placenta system.
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Mess AM, Favaron PO, Pfarrer C, Osmann C, Melo APF, Rodrigues RF, Ambrósio CE, Bevilacqua E, Miglino MA. Placentation in the anteaters Myrmecophaga tridactyla and Tamandua tetradactyla (Eutheria, Xenarthra). Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2012; 10:102. [PMID: 23199198 PMCID: PMC3527233 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-10-102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since Xenarthra are serious candidates for being basal to Eutheria, their characteristics, e.g. the placental system, influence perceptions of evolution. However, in the subgroup containing the anteaters, data are very limited. The present study aims to elucidate the nature of the feto-maternal interface in the anteater placenta and to interpret these data within an evolutionary context. METHODS Placentas of two species were investigated with histology, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS Remnants of the maternal vessel endothelium were absent, resulting in a fully haemochorial barrier throughout the placenta. Two structurally different parts, the villous and trabecular areas were complex and intermingled. In particular, the trabeculae which consisted of cellular, proliferative trophoblast, associated with connective tissue, were attached to the decidua. The villi contained fetal capillaries and hypertrophied mesenchymal cells that occurred near the surface near the end of gestation. The surface of the villi consisted of flat, syncytial trophoblast, interspersed with proliferative trophoblast cells. CONCLUSIONS Based on fundamental differences between anteaters and armadillos, we inferred that placental evolution was more complex than previously thought. The haemochorial pattern of anteaters was likely an ancient condition of xenarthrans. Consequently, villous placentation may be attributed, at least in part, by convergent evolution, but was also characterized by some features that were widespread among xenarthrans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Mess
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Phelipe O Favaron
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Christiane Pfarrer
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Allan PF Melo
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Rosangela F Rodrigues
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Carlos E Ambrósio
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, ZAB, Pirassununga, CEP 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Estela Bevilacqua
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Maria A Miglino
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-270, Brazil
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