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Vercruysse L, Carter AM, Pijnenborg R. The role of the placenta in the initiation of spiral artery remodelling in an early pregnant chimpanzee uterus. Placenta 2017; 53:83-91. [PMID: 28487026 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this study we evaluated the full extent of placental bed changes (centre to periphery) in a pregnant chimpanzee uterus, kept at the Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren, Belgium. According to placental size the specimen was equivalent to an 8 weeks pregnant human uterus. METHODS Histological sections from central to peripheral tissue blocks of the placental bed were stained to reveal the presence of trophoblast, endothelium, vascular smooth muscle and elastic laminae. As an indicator for early arterial remodelling, we evaluated endothelial nuclear rounding and subendothelial vascular changes within the maternal vasculature in decidua and adjacent inner myometrium. RESULTS While interstitially invading trophoblasts were present, endovascular trophoblast invasion seemed about to start into one spiral artery outlet at the centre of the placental bed, confirming our previous impression of a later onset of endovascular trophoblast invasion as compared to the human. An early sign of spiral artery remodelling was rounding of the endothelial nuclei. This phenomenon was not related to the local presence of interstitial trophoblast. DISCUSSION Endothelial nuclear rounding turned out to be a feature of the placental bed as a whole, being significantly less prominent in the adjacent non-placental bed part of the uterus, indicating an effect of the presence of the placenta. The different time-course of early spiral artery remodelling in the chimpanzee as compared to the human may have had a significant impact upon our evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Vercruysse
- Department of Woman & Child, University Hospital Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - A M Carter
- Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - R Pijnenborg
- Department of Woman & Child, University Hospital Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Golic M, Haase N, Herse F, Wehner A, Pijnenborg R, Vercruysse L, Luft F, Alnaes-Katjavivi P, Staff AC, Henrich W, Verlohren S, Müller DN, Dechend R. Natural killer cell reduction induces uteroplacental vasculopathy and fetal growth restriction in wild type rats. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2016. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1592911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Devlieger R, Riley SC, Verbist L, Leask R, Pijnenborg R, Deprest JA. Matrix Metalloproteinases-2 and -9 and Their Endogenous Tissue Inhibitors in Tissue Remodeling After Sealing of the Fetal Membranes in a Sheep Model of Fetoscopic Surgery. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/107155760200900304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - R. Pijnenborg
- Centre for Surgical Technologies and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Obstetrics and Gynaecology Section, Department of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Centre for Reproductive Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - J. A. Deprest
- Center for Surgical Technologies, Mindebroedersstraat 17, 3000-Leuven, Belgium
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Carter A, Pijnenborg R. Emil Selenka on the embryonic membranes of the mouse and placentation in gibbons and orangutans. Placenta 2016; 37:65-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Golic M, Wehner A, Alenina N, Pijnenborg R, Vercruysse L, Verlohren S, Henrich W, Müller DN, Bader M, Dechend R. Reduktion der Trophoblastenzellinvasion durch Diabetes mellitus: Histologische Evaluation der uteroplazentaren Einheit in einem neuen Rattenmodell für Insulinresistenz. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2014. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1388592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Golic M, Wehner A, Halle S, Pijnenborg R, Vercruysse L, Alenina N, Müller DN, Bader M, Dechend R. Neues Rattenmodell ermöglicht Einblicke in die fetale Insulinresistenz bei maternalem Diabetes während der Schwangerschaft. DIABETOL STOFFWECHS 2014. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1374859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Brosens I, Pijnenborg R, Benagiano G. Defective myometrial spiral artery remodelling as a cause of major obstetrical syndromes in endometriosis and adenomyosis. Placenta 2013; 34:100-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 11/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Brosens I, Ghaem-Maghami S, Pijnenborg R. Uterus transplantation in the human: a complex surgical, medical and ethical challenge. Hum Reprod 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Wenzel K, Herse F, Rajakumar A, Haase H, Hubel CA, Wallukat G, Pijnenborg R, Muller DN, LaMarca BB, Dechend R. PP085. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibodies increase angiotensin II sensitivity in pregnant rats. Pregnancy Hypertens 2012; 2:286-7. [PMID: 26105407 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2012.04.196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnant women who subsequently develop preeclampsia are highly sensitive to infused angiotensin (Ang) II; the sensitivity persists postpartum. Activating autoantibodies against the Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor are present in preeclampsia. In vitro and in vivo data suggest that they could be involved in the disease process. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to show if AT1-AB generated by immunisation alters Ang II sensitivity in pregnant rats. METHODS We generated and purified activating antibodies against the AT1 receptor (AT1-AB) by immunizing rabbits against the AFHYESQ epitope of the second extracellular loop, which is the binding epitope of endogenous activating autoantibodies against AT1 from patients with preeclampsia. We then purified AT1-AB using affinity chromatography with the AFHYESQ peptide. RESULTS We were able to detect AT1-AB both by ELISA and a functional bioassay. We then passively transferred AT1-AB into pregnant rats, alone or combined with Ang II. AT1-AB activated protein kinase C-alpha and extracellular-related kinase 1/2. Passive transfer of AT1-AB alone or Ang II (435ng/kg per minute) infused alone did not induce a preeclampsia-like syndrome in pregnant rats. However, the combination (AT1-AB plus Ang II) induced hypertension, proteinuria, intrauterine growth retardation, and arteriolosclerosis in the uteroplacental unit. We next performed gene-array profiling of the uteroplacental unit and found that hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha was upregulated by Ang II plus AT1-AB, which we then confirmed by Western blotting in villous explants. Furthermore, endothelin 1 was upregulated in endothelial cells by Ang II plus AT1-AB. We show that AT1-AB induces Ang II sensitivity. CONCLUSION Our mechanistic study supports the existence of an "autoimmune-activating receptor" that could contribute to Ang II sensitivity and possibly to preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Wenzel
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Medical Faculty of Charite, Berlin, Germany
| | - F Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrueck Center for molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Rajakumar
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, United States
| | - H Haase
- Max-Delbrueck Center for molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - C A Hubel
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - G Wallukat
- Max-Delbrueck Center for molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - R Pijnenborg
- Katholieken Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D N Muller
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrueck Center for molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - B B LaMarca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, United States
| | - R Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, HELIOS-Klinik, Berlin, Germany
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Pijnenborg R, Vercruysse L, Carter AM. Deep trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodelling in the placental bed of the lowland gorilla. Placenta 2011; 32:586-91. [PMID: 21705078 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2011] [Revised: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to baboon or rhesus macaque, trophoblast invasion in the human placental bed occurs by the interstitial as well as the endovascular route and reaches as deep as the inner myometrium. We here describe two rare specimens of gorilla placenta. In the light of recent findings in the chimpanzee, we postulated the occurrence of deep invasion in gorilla pregnancy. Tissues were processed for histology (PAS, orcein), lectin staining (Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1) and immunohistochemistry (cytokeratin 7/17, α-actin). A specimen of young but undetermined gestational age included deep placental bed tissue, showing interstitial and spiral artery invasion of the inner myometrium as well as the decidua. The cell density and depth of trophoblast invasion was equivalent to a human placental bed of 10-14 weeks. Intraluminal trophoblasts were not seen in any of the invaded vessels, allowing no definite conclusions about the origin of the intramural trophoblast and the time-course of spiral artery invasion. A different late second trimester placenta specimen showed scattered extravillous trophoblast in the basal plate and underlying decidua, as well as a remodelled spiral artery containing intramural trophoblast. Absence of inner myometrial tissue precluded assessment of invasion depth in this later specimen. Despite the limited material we can conclude that key aspects of trophoblast invasion are shared by the three hominid species: gorilla, chimpanzee and human.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pijnenborg
- Department of Woman & Child, University Hospital Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Pijnenborg R, Vercruysse L, Carter AM. Deep trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodelling in the placental bed of the chimpanzee. Placenta 2011; 32:400-8. [PMID: 21459441 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2010] [Revised: 02/25/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Deep trophoblast invasion is usually considered to be a unique feature of human placentation as compared to other primates. Because of the occasional occurrence of preeclampsia in great apes, which in the human is associated with impaired deep invasion, this uniqueness may be questioned. The availability of two well-documented pregnant chimpanzee uteri in the Hubrecht Collection (Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin) allowed us to evaluate the extent of trophoblast invasion in this species. By adjusting currently used protocols, we obtained successful immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin and α-actin, as well as Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1 (UEA1) lectin staining, in this archival material. In both specimens interstitial trophoblast invasion had occurred in both decidua and myometrium. Because of a lack of published data on fetal growth for this species, fetal sizes (7cm and 13cm) could not be strictly related to gestational ages and thus be compared with the time-course of human trophoblast invasion. However, since the earlier specimen did not show any endovascular trophoblast invasion in spiral arteries - in contrast to pregnant human uteri with equivalent fetal sizes - endovascular migration seems to begin at a different gestational age in the chimpanzee. In the later specimen endovascular trophoblast was associated with spiral artery remodelling in the inner myometrium, and this invasion was extended to include a radial artery, which at that stage still showed relatively intact vascular smooth muscle and elastic lamina. We conclude that invasion depth and spiral artery remodelling are basically similar in chimpanzees and humans, although the seemingly different time of onset may have implications for uteroplacental oxygen supply and fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pijnenborg
- Department of Woman & Child, University Hospital Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
Deep placentation in human pregnancy is realised by deep invasion of the placental bed by the extravillous trophoblast, involving the decidua and the inner (junctional zone) myometrium. Interstitial invasion of the stroma and endovascular trophoblast invasion of the spiral arteries both occur. Deep endovascular trophoblast invasion into the myometrial segments of spiral arteries is important for proper placental functioning. Before this extended vascular invasion begins, decidua-associated vascular remodelling, which includes swelling and disorganisation of the vascular smooth muscle, occurs during a period of rising placental oxygen. This early remodelling step may accommodate the progressively increasing maternal blood flow to the developing placenta. The subsequent trophoblast-associated remodelling step enhances and stabilises the widening of the vessels, whereas the vascular smooth muscle and elastic lamina are replaced by a fibrinoid matrix with embedded trophoblast. Defective deep remodelling contributes to placental malfunctioning in complications of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pijnenborg
- Department of Woman & Child, University Hospital Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Van Mieghem T, van Bree R, Van Herck E, Pijnenborg R, Deprest J, Verhaeghe J. Maternal apelin physiology during rat pregnancy: the role of the placenta. Placenta 2010; 31:725-30. [PMID: 20580085 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2010.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2010] [Revised: 05/31/2010] [Accepted: 06/01/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Apelin is a multifunctional peptide which is catabolized by the angiotensin-converting enzyme-related carboxypeptidase-2 (ACE2). The peptide is well known for its hemodynamic effects and its role in energy and fluid homeostasis. Pregnancy is a state of dramatically altered maternal hemodynamics and metabolism, but the role of apelin is unknown. To gain further insight in apelin physiology, we investigated relative tissue expression, plasma clearance and metabolic pathways of apelin in pregnant rats. METHODS We measured maternal plasma apelin levels throughout normal rat gestation and examined relative apelin gene expression in several tissues, including the placenta. We documented apelin clearance using radiolabeled apelin and assessed maternal plasma levels in rats that underwent surgical reduction of the fetoplacental mass, thereby further examining the role of the placenta in apelin clearance. Finally, we localized apelin and ACE2 in the placenta and mesometrial triangle using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Maternal apelin plasma concentrations dropped by 50% between mid- and late gestation. Apelin expression was comparable between non-pregnant and late-pregnant rats in non-reproductive tissues. The placenta showed low apelin gene expression compared to brain tissue. Apelin clearance was enhanced in term gestation as evidenced by a steeper decline of the slow phase of the elimination curve of radiolabeled apelin. Compared to sham-operated dams, maternal plasma apelin was raised by 23% in late-pregnant rats in which half of the fetoplacental units were removed at day 16 of gestation. ACE2 mRNA expression was detectable in late- but not mid-pregnancy placental tissue; immunohistochemically, ACE2 was primarily localized in the smooth muscle layer of fetal arterioles in the labyrinth. CONCLUSION Maternal circulating apelin drops considerably between mid- and late- pregnancy owing to faster clearance. The current data suggest a role for placental ACE2 in the accelerated apelin metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Van Mieghem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Campus Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium.
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Geusens N, Hering L, Verlohren S, Luyten C, Drijkoningen K, Taube M, Vercruysse L, Hanssens M, Dechend R, Pijnenborg R. Changes in endovascular trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodelling at term in a transgenic preeclamptic rat model. Placenta 2010; 31:320-6. [PMID: 20144482 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2010.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2009] [Revised: 01/13/2010] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
As a follow-up to our previous study which revealed a surprisingly deeper endovascular trophoblast (ET) invasion on day 18 in a transgenic preeclamptic (PE) rat model (hAngiotensinogen female symbol x hRenin male symbol) compared to non-PE controls, we examined further changes in ET invasion and associated spiral artery (SA) remodelling at term (day 21). PE transgenic rats and non-PE reversely mated (RM) transgenic rats were compared to normal SD rats (C). Sections were stained to visualize trophoblast, fibrinoid, vascular smooth muscle (VSM) and endothelium. SA were evaluated in three depth levels in the mesometrial triangle (MT) using the KS-400 image analysis system. In separate transgenic rats, Doppler ultrasound was performed in uterine arteries, and the resistance indices (RI) were calculated. Although for the whole MT differences in ET invasion were no longer significant between the PE and C, indicating a partial catching up in C rats, there was still significantly more ET in the deepest level in the PE group as compared to the C and RM groups. At the same time the SA walls in PE rats contained significantly more fibrinoid (versus RM and C) and VSM (versus C). In all SA cross-sections, re-endothelialisation was prominent, but significantly different between PE and C group. The Doppler results showed a significantly lower RI in the arcuate uterine artery of the PE group compared to the C group. There was no evidence of elimination of deeply invaded ET at term, previously considered as a possible mechanism for restriction of vascular remodelling in human PE. The differences in vascular remodelling, previously described on day 18 by histology and Doppler data, were maintained on day 21, but there was extensive endothelial repair in the three groups. Atherosis-like lesions were observed in the three groups, most frequently in the RM group, but were never associated with placental infarcts.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Geusens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Devlieger R, Gratacós E, Verbist L, Pijnenborg R, Deprest J. Gestational Age-Dependent Repair Kinetics of Microsurgical Defects in Monolayers of Human Amniocytes. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2010; 69:62-6. [DOI: 10.1159/000255956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2009] [Accepted: 07/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Al-Nasiry S, Vercruysse L, Hanssens M, Luyten C, Pijnenborg R. Interstitial Trophoblastic Cell Fusion and E-cadherin Immunostaining in the Placental Bed of Normal and Hypertensive Pregnancies. Placenta 2009; 30:719-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2009.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2007] [Revised: 05/09/2009] [Accepted: 05/11/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Verlohren S, Niehoff M, Hering L, Pijnenborg R, Dudenhausen J, Dechend R. Bedeutung des plazentären Renin-Angiotensin-Systems für die Trophoblasteninvasion in einem transgenen Tiermodell für Präeklampsie. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2008. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1088602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Geusens N, Verlohren S, Luyten C, Taube M, Hering L, Vercruysse L, Hanssens M, Dudenhausen J, Dechend R, Pijnenborg R. Endovascular Trophoblast Invasion, Spiral Artery Remodelling and Uteroplacental Haemodynamics in a Transgenic Rat Model of Pre-eclampsia. Placenta 2008; 29:614-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2008] [Revised: 04/11/2008] [Accepted: 04/14/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Pijnenborg R, Vercruysse L. Shifting Concepts of the Fetal–Maternal Interface: A Historical Perspective. Placenta 2008; 29 Suppl A:S20-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2007.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2007] [Revised: 09/15/2007] [Accepted: 09/19/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Verlohren S, Niehoff M, Dechend R, Plagemann A, Pijnenborg R, Gollasch M, Dudenhausen JW. Endotheliale Dysfunktion und veränderte Trophoblasteninvasion in einem genetischen Tiermodell für Präeklampsie. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2007. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1032351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
In his major work "Zoonomia", Erasmus Darwin (1731-1802) devoted one chapter to the placenta, in which the new knowledge of the recently discovered element oxygen was applied to the functioning of this organ. He considered the "cavities" or "lacunae" in the placenta as the main areas for oxygenation of the fetal blood, as he thought them to be structurally comparable to the lungs and the gills of fish. He obviously was aware of species differences in the uterine arterial blood supply to the placenta between humans and cows, assuming a higher contractility of the vasculature in the latter species. The new evidence for a primarily respiratory role overshadowed ideas of a possible nutritive function of the placenta. Since Hunter's definitive demonstration of separate maternal and fetal blood circulations, nutritive functions of the placenta needed to be explained by transmembrane transport processes, which were unknown at that time. Instead Erasmus Darwin erroneously considered the amniotic fluid as the main source of nutrients for the fetus. His understanding of placental respiration found expression in his long poem on the history of life on earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pijnenborg
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gasthuisberg, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Al-Nasiry S, Geusens N, Hanssens M, Luyten C, Pijnenborg R. The use of Alamar Blue assay for quantitative analysis of viability, migration and invasion of choriocarcinoma cells. Hum Reprod 2007; 22:1304-9. [PMID: 17307808 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dem011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 314] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current techniques for quantifying trophoblast viability, migration and invasion are mainly limited by the need to sacrifice the cells during the test procedure. In this study, the vital dye AB (AB) was used to quantify cell number and viability of BeWo and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells, as well as their migration and invasion through fibronectin-coated filters. METHODS AB was directly added to culture medium of incubated test and control cells. At various time intervals, the redox reaction, in which AB is reduced by the cells, was measured by absorbance readings at 540 and 630 nm. For cell migration and invasion, cells were cultured onto uncoated or fibronectin-coated inserts, respectively. AB reduction of migrated cells was normalized to that of control cells to calculate percentages of migration. This model was also tested in the presence of a reported inhibitor, transforming growth factor (TGF) beta. RESULTS The curve of %AB reduction versus cell number was linear, with intra- and inter-assay Coefficient of Variations of 1.88%and 2.94%, respectively. AB reduction increased with both seeding concentrations and incubation time with AB. TGFbeta treatment caused a modest decrease in AB reduction in both JEG-3 and BeWo cells. TGFbeta treatment also decreased migration in BeWo, but not in JEG-3, cells. CONCLUSIONS AB assay is a simple and reliable method for quantifying trophoblast viability, migration and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Al-Nasiry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Verlohren S, Herse F, Pijnenborg R, Wallukat G, Granger JP, Dudenhausen JW, Dechend R. Agonistic autoantibodies to the AT1 receptor in rat models of preeclampsia: induced by chronic reductions in uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) and low dose TNFalpha infusion. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2006. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-952893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Pijnenborg R, Vercruysse L, Hanssens M. The Uterine Spiral Arteries In Human Pregnancy: Facts and Controversies. Placenta 2006; 27:939-58. [PMID: 16490251 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2005.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 773] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2005] [Revised: 12/19/2005] [Accepted: 12/20/2005] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Uterine spiral arteries play a vital role in supplying nutrients to the placenta and fetus, and for this purpose they are remodelled into highly dilated vessels by the action of invading trophoblast (physiological change). Knowledge of the mechanisms of these changes is relevant for a better understanding of pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy complications which show incomplete spiral artery remodelling. Controversies still abound concerning different steps in these physiological changes, and several of these disagreements are highlighted in this review, thereby suggesting directions for further research. First, a better definition of the degree of decidua- versus trophoblast-associated remodelling may help to devise a more adequate terminology. Other contestable issues are the vascular plugging and its relation with oxygen, trophoblast invasion from the outside or the inside of the vessels (intravasation versus extravasation), the impact of haemodynamics on endovascular migration, the replacement of arterial components by trophoblast, maternal tissue repair mechanisms and the role of uterine natural killer (NK) cells. Several of these features may be disturbed in complicated pregnancies, including the early decidua-associated vascular remodelling, vascular plugging and haemodynamics. The hyperinflammatory condition of pre-eclampsia may be responsible for vasculopathies such as acute atherosis, although the overall impact of such lesions on placental function is far from clear. Several features of the human placental bed are mirrored by processes in other species with haemochorial placentation, and studying such models may help to illuminate poorly understood aspects of human placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pijnenborg
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Carter AM, Enders AC, Jones CJP, Mess A, Pfarrer C, Pijnenborg R, Soma H. Comparative Placentation and Animal Models: Patterns of Trophoblast Invasion – A Workshop Report. Placenta 2006; 27 Suppl A:S30-3. [PMID: 16529811 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2006.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2006] [Accepted: 01/16/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A M Carter
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Abstract
Mathias Duval (1844-1907) was one of the pioneers in elucidating the intricate placental histology of different mammalian groups, notably the rodents. Using a well-dated series of mouse conceptuses, he described in detail the successive steps in placental development, and for confirmation he included observations on a (undated) collection of rat specimens. Not only was he able to identify correctly the different extra-embryonic cell layers, but he was also the first to recognize trophoblast invasion in rodents. Not all his interpretations are still valid, however. Re-reading his extensive and detailed work "Le placenta des rongeurs" (1890-1892) confronts us with still existing gaps in our present understanding of placental development, notably the morphogenesis of the different placental layers and the differentiation of invasive trophoblast. His understanding of uteroplacental blood flow was still limited, and he failed to recognize the complexity of the maternal decidua and its vasculature, which is essential for correctly understanding the pathways and extent of trophoblast invasion. Although Duval was active in promoting Darwin's evolutionary ideas, he refrained from extrapolating too quickly his findings in rodents to other mammalian groups including humans. In his view detailed histological studies on complete series of specimens had to come first, and thus provide a firm basis for a proper understanding of placental function and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pijnenborg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Al-Nasiry S, Spitz B, Hanssens M, Luyten C, Pijnenborg R. Differential effects of inducers of syncytialization and apoptosis on BeWo and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells. Hum Reprod 2005; 21:193-201. [PMID: 16210392 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interactions of trophoblasts with the cytokine network at the fetomaternal interface determine the pathway the cell undertakes, e.g. proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. METHODS We used cultures of fusigenic BeWo and non-fusigenic JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells to study the effects of inducers of syncytialisation (forskolin) and apoptosis [tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha)] on differentiation, viability, proliferation and apoptosis. RESULTS E-cadherin immunostaining showed that syncytium formation was confined to BeWo and not JEG-3 cells, while secretion of hCG was promoted by forskolin in both cell types implying a 'dissociation' between morphological and biochemical differentiation. Forskolin also had differential effects on cell viability (MTT reduction test) and proliferation (Ki67 immunostaining with MIB-1 monoclonal antibody), both decreasing in BeWo and increasing in JEG-3 cells. TNFalpha increased apoptosis (cytokeratin neo-epitope immunostaining with M30 monoclonal antibody) in both cell types, an effect which was blocked by epidermal growth factor selectively in JEG-3 cells. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the differential responses of BeWo and JEG-3 cells to inducers of syncytialization and apoptosis might be related to their fusigenic capacity. Caution is needed when extrapolating results obtained by these models to normal trophoblast populations. However, we speculate that these models can help identify key factors involved in trophoblast differentiation at the placental bed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Al-Nasiry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Caluwaerts S, Vercruysse L, Luyten C, Pijnenborg R. Endovascular trophoblast invasion and associated structural changes in uterine spiral arteries of the pregnant rat. Placenta 2005; 26:574-84. [PMID: 15993707 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2004.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2004] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The involvement of endovascular trophoblast in fibrinoid deposition, replacement of the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle breakdown is studied in spiral arteries of the mesometrial triangle from day 15 to day 21 of rat pregnancy, by examining arterial cross sections after staining for cytokeratin, PAS, CD31 and alpha-actin. From day 15 to day 18 of pregnancy, fibrinoid deposition underneath the endovascular trophoblast increases gradually, whereas the amount of endovascular trophoblast in invaded arteries remains constant. CD31 staining is significantly reduced in sub-ET (= underlying the endovascular trophoblast) as compared to extra-ET (= outside the endovascular trophoblast) and no-ET (= non-invaded arterial sections) at each time-point of pregnancy examined (P < 0.005 and P < 0.0005 at each day of pregnancy), whereas alpha-actin staining is reduced both in sub-ET and in extra-ET as compared to no-ET. During pregnancy, CD31 staining in sub-ET initially declines, but increases significantly on day 21 (P < 0.001 versus d20) suggesting re-endothelialization of the vascular wall. In conclusion, changes in spiral arteries of pregnant rats reveal striking similarities with physiological changes seen in human pregnancy, thus emphasizing the usefulness of this species as an experimental model for studying normal and complicated pregnancies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Caluwaerts
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Stone S, Pijnenborg R, Vercruysse L, Poston R, Khamashta MA, Hunt BJ, Poston L. The placental bed in pregnancies complicated by primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Placenta 2005; 27:457-67. [PMID: 16005063 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2005.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2005] [Revised: 04/21/2005] [Accepted: 04/21/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Pregnancy in women with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is frequently associated with placental insufficiency leading to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)+/-fetal death, pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, premature delivery or thrombosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the placental bed in APS pregnancies for evidence of impaired trophoblast invasion, endothelial cell activation (ECA) and macrophage infiltration. METHODS Biopsies from the presumed site of the placental bed were obtained from 12 women with treated primary APS and 16 controls. Immunohistochemical methods were employed to investigate expression of cytokeratin (trophoblasts), alpha-actin (smooth muscle), CD68 (macrophages) and VCAM-1 (as marker of ECA). Fibrinoid and elastin distribution and expression were determined by periodic acid/Schiff and orcein stain, respectively. RESULTS Three APS pregnancies developed IUGR, one with concurrent pre-eclampsia. Eight of 12 APS biopsies were confirmed to be from the placental bed; one patient failed to meet APS criteria and was excluded from analysis; six included spiral arteries in the biopsy; 11 of 16 controls' biopsies were from the placental bed. APS biopsies had a higher concentration of inflammatory cells (p=0.0001), particularly macrophages (p=0.014). Three APS biopsies showed necrosis with hyperplastic vessels; one demonstrated arterial thromboses, but none had profound vasculopathy/atherosis or ECA. CONCLUSION Inflammatory mechanisms in the placental bed may contribute to APS pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Stone
- Maternal & Fetal Research Unit, Division of Reproductive Health, Endocrinology and Development, Guy's, King's & St Thomas' School of Medicine, London, UK.
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Vercruysse L, Caluwaerts S, Luyten C, Pijnenborg R. Interstitial trophoblast invasion in the decidua and mesometrial triangle during the last third of pregnancy in the rat. Placenta 2005; 27:22-33. [PMID: 16310034 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2004.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2004] [Revised: 11/04/2004] [Accepted: 11/07/2004] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Like other species with haemochorial placentation, pregnant rats show marked invasion of the uterine wall by trophoblast. While an endovascular pathway of invasion has been recognized for a long time, only recently, by application of cytokeratin immunostaining, the existence of an interstitial pathway of invasion has been established. Interstitial invasion is mainly effected by glycogen cell-like trophoblast arising from glycogen cell islands of the trophospongium opening up into the decidua, and from glycogen cell sheaths surrounding the intraplacental maternal arterial channels which are connected with the spiral arteries in decidua and mesometrial triangle. Quantitative evaluation of interstitial invasion in both maternal compartments was carried out on days 15-21, using PAS staining and cytokeratin and alpha-actin immunostaining for detecting trophoblast and defining maternal tissue compartments. Measurements of compartment size, cytokeratin-positive areas and invasion extent were performed using the KS400 image analysis system. A distinct pattern of interstitial trophoblast invasion emerged, starting from central decidual areas around the maternal arterial channels, and mushrooming into the mesometrial triangle reaching a peak at day 18, followed by gradual regression of the invaded areas. These measurements may serve as a basis for further experiments to evaluate factors which may influence the depth of trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Vercruysse
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
The 19th century debates on mammalian classification in the light of the new evolutionary thinking led to controversies between Thomas Huxley and Richard Owen concerning the value of the placenta as a representative key organ. As a main point in his argument, Huxley provided a detailed description of a sectioned rat placenta, highlighting the importance of decidualization of the uterus as an argument supporting an evolutionary relationship between rodents, insectivores and primates, an idea hotly contested by Owen. In addition, he illustrated and correctly interpreted the maternal blood supply from uterus to placenta in striking detail. During the succeeding decades the key role of trophoblast in placenta formation was discovered, and the decidua became neglected in later comparative studies. Nevertheless, at the present time trophoblast-decidual interaction is regarded as an extremely important feature of placental development in both primates and rodents, and Huxley can therefore rightfully be considered as an early pioneer in placental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pijnenborg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven,Leuven B3000, Belgium.
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Pijnenborg R, Aplin JD, Ain R, Bevilacqua E, Bulmer JN, Cartwright J, Hüppertz B, Knöfler M, Maxwell C, Vercruysse L. Trophoblast and the Endometrium—A Workshop Report. Placenta 2004; 25 Suppl A:S42-4. [PMID: 15033306 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2004.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Pijnenborg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KU Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
In humans, functional deficiency of alpha-2M is not known, implying alpha 2M is essential for gestational success. Mice, deficient in two members of the alpha-2 Macroglobulin (alpha 2M) family, i.e. alpha-2 macroglobulin (MAM) and murinoglobulin-1 (MUG-1) are viable, fertile and phenotypically normal, unless stressed (Am J Pathol, 155 (1999), 983). Here, we analysed implantation sites in MAM(-/-)/MUG-1(-/-)mice during pregnancy, a strong physiological stressor. Despite some post-implantation fetal loss, mean litter size was comparable to congenic C57Bl/6J (B6) mice, but MAM(-/-)/MUG-1(-/-)pups were significantly lighter and the sex ratio was skewed towards males. Implantation sites appeared histologically normal up to gestational day (gd) 8. By gd 10, extensive over-development of trophoblasts was evident, accompanied by relative deficits in decidua, in the mural mesometrial lymphoid aggregates of pregnancy and in uterine Natural Killer cells. At gd 10-12, decidual spiral arteries were dilated but abnormally cuffed by trophoblasts that extended anomalously, for midgestation, to the myometrial circular smooth muscle. Ultrastructurally, trophoblasts in the mesometrial decidua made intimate contact with endothelial cells that were shedding membrane fragments. These findings demonstrate that alpha 2M, and thereby proteinases and/or cytokines whose bio-availability is regulated by alpha 2M, exert significant decidual regulation on trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Esadeg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Building 40, Room 2604, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
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Devlieger R, Riley SC, Verbist L, Leask R, Pijnenborg R, Deprest JA. Matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 and their endogenous tissue inhibitors in tissue remodeling after sealing of the fetal membranes in a sheep model of fetoscopic surgery. J Soc Gynecol Investig 2002; 9:137-45. [PMID: 12009387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We studied collagen plugging of the fetoscopic access site in an in vivo fetal lamb model for fetoscopic surgery and possible role for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 and tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). METHODS Eight ewes had fetoscopic balloon occlusion of the trachea as an experimental treatment for congenital diaphragmatic hernia between days 88 and 99 of gestation (term 145 days) with sampling of amniotic, allantoic, and tracheal fluid. Nonoperated cotwins were used as controls. The fetoscopy port was closed using a collagen plug. Ten days (range 9-12) later, fluids were sampled and plug sites collected for histologic analysis. Activity of MMP-2 (72 kDa, gelatinase A) and MMP-9 (92 kDa, gelatinase B) was determined in the fluids by zymography and secretion of TIMPs (27-30 kDa; TIMP-1, glycosylated TIMP-3 and TIMP-4, 24 kDa; unglycosylated TIMP-3, 21 kDa; TIMP-2) by reverse zymography and quantified by densitometric analysis. RESULTS No pregnancy was complicated by amniorhexis or preterm labor. At cesarean, normal volumes of amniotic and allantoic fluid were present in all cases. Histology of the plug sites revealed good integration of the collagen plug without complete restoration of membrane integrity. MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMPs were detected in all fluids. In the operated animals, significantly (P <.05) higher activity of MMP-9 was found in amniotic fluid, with lower concentrations of TIMPs in allantoic fluid (P <.01). Tracheal occlusion was associated with a significant (P <.02) increase in both MMP-2 and -9 in tracheal fluid. CONCLUSION Collagen plugging of the fetoscopic access port sites in sheep resulted in functionally effective sealing of the fetal membranes. Changes in MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMPs suggest an active remodeling of both the fetal lung and the fetal membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Devlieger
- Centre for Surgical Technologies, University Hospitals, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 17, 3000-Leuven, Belgium
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Schauf B, Aydeniz B, Pijnenborg R, Wallwiener D. Zusammenhang zwischen Erythrozytenverformbarkeit und intraerythrozytärem ATP in der Schwangerschaft. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2002. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-32289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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Caluwaerts S, Pijnenborg R, Luyten C, Keith JC, Van Assche FA. Differential effects of IL-11 on rat blastocysts and decidua during the peri-implantation period. Am J Reprod Immunol 2002; 47:231-41. [PMID: 12069390 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0897.2002.01070.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To study effects of interleukin-11 (IL-11) on blastocyst development and decidualization. METHOD OF STUDY Rats, injected with buffer (C) or IL-11 [1 mg/kg/day = high dose (HD), 60 microg/kg/week = low dose (LD)-1, 30 microg/kg twice a week = low dose (LD)-2] were made pregnant or pseudopregnant to obtain blastocysts or deciduomata. RESULTS As compared with C, more LD-2 blastocysts hatched in culture, while hatching and attachment of HD blastocysts was decreased. Blastocysts from untreated rats in IL-11 supplemented medium (4 ng/mL) demonstrated increased hatching and attachment. The weight of the decidualized uterus in HD and LD-2 pseudopregnant rats was reduced as compared with C and LD- 1. On deciduomata sections from IL-11 treated rats, the area inside the uterine muscle layer was reduced, and mitotic over pycnotic indices were increased in the anti-mesometrial area and decreased in the mesometrial area. CONCLUSIONS Low doses of IL-11 improve hatching and attachment of blastocysts, but both high and low doses impair decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Caluwaerts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
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Lee X, Keith JC, Stumm N, Moutsatsos I, McCoy JM, Crum CP, Genest D, Chin D, Ehrenfels C, Pijnenborg R, van Assche FA, Mi S. Downregulation of placental syncytin expression and abnormal protein localization in pre-eclampsia. Placenta 2001; 22:808-12. [PMID: 11718567 DOI: 10.1053/plac.2001.0722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Development of placentation and successful pregnancy depend on co-ordinated interactions between the maternal decidua and myometrium, and the invasive properties of the fetal trophoblast. Syncytin, a protein encoded by the envelope gene of a recently identified human endogenous defective retrovirus, HERV-W, is highly expressed in placental tissue. Previously, we have shown that the major site of syncytin expression is the placental syncytiotrophoblast, a fused multinuclear syncytium originating from cytotrophoblast cells. Here we present the first evidence that in pre-eclampsia, syncytin gene expression levels are dramatically reduced. Additionally, immunohistochemical examination of normal placentae and placentae from women with pre-eclampsia reveals that the syncytin protein in placental tissue from women with pre-eclampsia is localized improperly to the apical syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane as opposed to its normal location on the basal syncytiotrophoblast cytoplasmic membrane. Our previous results suggest that syncytin may mediate placental cytotrophoblast fusion in vivo and may play an important role in human placental morphogenesis. The present study suggests that altered expression of the syncytin gene, and altered cellular location of its protein product, may contribute to the aetiology of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Lee
- Wyeth/Genetics Institute, One Burtt Road, Andover, MA 01810, USA
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Devlieger R, Gratacós E, Wu J, Verbist L, Pijnenborg R, Deprest JA. An organ-culture for in vitro evaluation of fetal membrane healing capacity. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2000; 92:145-50. [PMID: 10986449 DOI: 10.1016/s0301-2115(00)00439-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to set up an organ culture of human amniochorion to evaluate fetal membrane repair capacity following surgical trauma. METHODS Fetal membranes were collected from four patients, during elective caesarean section at term. Explants were traumatised at the centre and cultured on collagen support material for a total of 12 days. Viability was assessed by light microscopy and proliferation by detection of 5-Bromo-2' deoxy-Uridine (BrdU) incorporation and immunohistochemistry. Wound healing capacity was assessed trough photographic documentation every 2 days. RESULTS Cultures showed good survival for 12 days. Increased cellularity, survival and proliferations were observed at the borders of the cultures in contrast to the central trauma site. During the 12 days observation period, no significant closure of the membrane defect could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION This organ culture system represents a new model for the study of human fetal membrane repair. Despite good survival and localised proliferation, no obvious closure of a surgically created defect was observed in the described culture conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Devlieger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
Uteroplacental vascular adaptation during pregnancy depends on retrograde endovascular migration of trophoblast in the uterine spiral arteries and their subsequent incorporation into the vessel wall. In the human, this migration process occurs in a step-wise fashion, starting with plugging of the distal ends of the arteries, followed by migration into the decidual and, after several weeks' delay, into the myometrial segments. The hypothesis is put forward that haemodynamical forces play an important regulatory role in this process. A mechanical signal transduction system should then be present within the trophoblastic cells to trigger their rheotactic behaviour. Since the condition of preeclampsia is characterized by restricted colonization of spiral arteries by trophoblast, the implications of this proposed regulatory system on the pathogenesis of the disease are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pijnenborg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
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Pijnenborg R, Luyten C, Vercruysse L, Keith JC, Van Assche FA. Cytotoxic effects of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon-gamma on cultured human trophoblast are modulated by fibronectin. Mol Hum Reprod 2000; 6:635-41. [PMID: 10871651 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/6.7.635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma, produced by maternal inflammatory cells, may compromise trophoblast survival at the trophoblast-maternal interface and notably in the placental bed which is invaded by trophoblast. Extracellular matrix components, e.g. fibronectin, may enhance trophoblast survival. A possible protective effect of fibronectin against toxic effects of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma was investigated in cultured trophoblasts isolated from six human term placentas, grown on uncoated and fibronectin-coated plastics. IFN-gamma and increasing doses of TNF-alpha resulted in decreasing viability of trophoblast on uncoated as well as fibronectin-coated dishes, as shown by 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, but for each TNF/IFN treatment condition viability on fibronectin was higher (P < 0.001). Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a growth factor reported to protect against TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma induced toxicity, resulted in further increased viability, but not if IFN-gamma was included in the treatment. EGF caused increased fibronectin secretion into the medium (P < 0.001), and double cytokeratin/fibronectin immunostaining confirmed the trophoblastic nature of fibronectin secreting cells. We conclude that fibronectin increases viability, but does not completely abolish the cytotoxic action of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma on trophoblast. The protective effect of EGF may be related to stimulation of fibronectin secretion by trophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pijnenborg
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS To investigate the outgrowth of the ectoplacental cone in diabetic rats in vivo and in vitro. METHODS Female Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin (75 mg/kg body weight, n = 15), or with control buffer (n = 27) 3 days before mating. On day 9 (day 1 = copulation plug) decidual swellings were weighed and the volume and mitotic index of the embryo and ectoplacental cone were estimated. Also, ectoplacental cones were cultured either in the presence of decidual cells from pseudopregnant diabetic rats or in high glucose concentration media. Cultures were evaluated by the daily outgrowth and by the proportion of giant cells and proliferating cells on day 5. RESULTS In diabetic rats on day 9, the weight of the decidual swellings and the mitotic index in the ectoplacental cone were lower compared with controls (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively). In vitro, control ectoplacental cones in the presence of decidual cells from diabetic rats showed a slight reduction in outgrowth on day 3 and 5 of culture. Outgrowth of diabetic ectoplacental cones in high glucose concentration medium was impaired on day 1 (p < 0.0005) compared with control ectoplacental cones in control medium, and on day 1 and 2 (both p < 0.005) compared with control ectoplacental cones in high glucose concentration medium. In control medium, the outgrowth of diabetic ectoplacental cones was impaired on day 1 (p < 0.05), compared with control ectoplacental cones. Proliferation was stimulated in diabetic ectoplacental cone cultures. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION These data suggest that the outgrowth of diabetic ectoplacental cones is impaired by high glucose concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Caluwaerts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
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Caluwaerts S, Pijnenborg R, Luyten C, Keith JC, André Van Assche F. Effects of interleukin 11 (IL-11) on early post-implantation development of the rat. Cytokine 2000; 12:797-800. [PMID: 10843767 DOI: 10.1006/cyto.1999.0628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The development of embryos, trophoblast and decidua of IL-11-treated rats were examined in vivo, while ectoplacental cones (EPC) were studied in vitro. Female Wistar rats were injected daily with buffer (C), 1 mg/kg IL-11 (HD) daily or 30 microgram/kg (LD) IL-11 twice a week. On day 9 of pregnancy, embryonic tissue volume was reduced in IL-11-treated animals, but EPC volume was elevated, compared to controls. Mitotic indices were reduced in embryos (P<0.05 for LD, P<0.001 for HD) and in EPCs of both groups. Pycnotic indices were elevated in LD (NS) and HD (P<0.05) embryos, but decreased in EPCs of the LD group (P<0.01). Morphological abnormalities were observed in decidua, embryo and trophoblast. In HD, EPC attachment was impaired after 1 day culture but proliferation was stimulated after 5 days. Defective decidualization in IL-11 treated rats may therefore result in abnormal development of embryo and trophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Caluwaerts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, B-3000, Belgium
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Devlieger R, Deprest JA, Gratacós E, Pijnenborg R, Leask R, Riley SC. Matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9 and their endogenous tissue inhibitors in fetal membrane repair following fetoscopy in a rabbit model. Mol Hum Reprod 2000; 6:479-85. [PMID: 10775654 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/6.5.479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular mechanisms underlying fetal membrane repair are poorly understood. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and the endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) play a key role in the control of turnover of extracellular matrix in fetal membranes at normal parturition and preterm prelabour rupture of the fetal membranes (PPROM). The time course of secretion of MMP-2 (72 kDa, gelatinase A) and MMP-9 (92 kDa, gelatinase B) and TIMP into extra-embryonic coelomic, allantoic and amniotic fluids in a rabbit model was examined. Furthermore, to evaluate their role in fetal membrane repair, the changes induced by fetoscopy at mid-gestation (23 days; gestation length is 32 days) were investigated. Zymography showed predominantly secretion of latent MMP-2 at 18, 23 and 30 days of gestation in all gestational compartments. Reverse zymography detected a broad range of TIMP activity with molecular weights of 27-30 kDa (TIMP-1, glycosylated TIMP-3 and TIMP-4), 24 kDa (unglycosylated TIMP-3) and 21 kDa (TIMP-2). Following fetoscopy, both MMP-2 and TIMP increased significantly in amniotic fluid and extra-embryonic coelomic fluid, but not in allantoic fluid, as demonstrated by densitometric analyses. These findings indicate a modulating role for MMP and TIMP in the repair processes following a surgically induced fetal membrane defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Devlieger
- Centre for Surgical Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 17, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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keith JC, Pijnenborg R, Luyten C, Spitz B, Schaub R, Van Assche FA. Maternal serum levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor are associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2000; 89:19-25. [PMID: 10733019 DOI: 10.1016/s0301-2115(99)00154-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was the measurement of maternal serum levels of M-CSF throughout pregnancy, in a low risk obstetrical population, to examine the relationship of M-CSF and pregnancy outcome. STUDY DESIGN Maternal serum was obtained at various stages of pregnancy and post partum, M-CSF levels were measured by ELISA, pertinent clinical data tabulated, and pregnancy outcome was determined. RESULTS In 564 pregnancies studied, 22% of 260 nulliparous pregnancies and 10% of 304 multiparous pregnancies were hypertensive. Preeclampsia occurred in 1.5% of nulliparous and in 1% of the multiparous women. In apparently normal pregnancies with good outcome, M-CSF levels rose throughout pregnancy. No cases of preeclampsia occurred if maternal serum M-CSF levels increased more than 100% throughout pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that absolute levels and relative changes in maternal serum M-CSF levels during pregnancy are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C keith
- Preclinical Research and Development, Genetics Institute, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02140, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pijnenborg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium.
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Gratacós E, Wu J, Yesildaglar N, Devlieger R, Pijnenborg R, Deprest JA. Successful sealing of fetoscopic access sites with collagen plugs in the rabbit model. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000; 182:142-6. [PMID: 10649169 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9378(00)70503-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacies of various plugging techniques in sealing the membrane defect created by fetoscopy in the rabbit at midgestation. STUDY DESIGN Fetoscopy was performed in pregnant rabbits at 23 days' gestation (term, 32 days' gestation). In group 1 fetal sacs were left unclosed (positive control group, n = 24). In group 2 injection with commercially available extracellular matrix (Matrigel; BD Labware, Bedford, Mass) was performed and a myometrial suture was inserted (n = 23). In group 3 the entry site was plugged with collagen (Colgen; Inter-Phar, Paris, France) combined with a myometrial suture (n = 22). At 30 days' gestation the membrane integrity, amniotic fluid presence, and fetal lung/body weight ratios were assessed. The plugging site was examined histologically. RESULTS The use of suture and collagen plugs (group 3) resulted in functional restoration of membrane integrity with preservation of amniotic fluid and normal fetal lung/body weight ratio at term in 82% of cases, compared with 42% in the positive control group (group 1; P <.05). Histologic examination revealed entrapment of membranes between the plug and the myometrium but no anatomic repair of the membranes. The use of suture and extracellular matrix (group 2) did not achieve better results than those seen in group 1 (positive control group). CONCLUSION Collagen plugs achieved functional sealing of fetoscopic access sites in a rabbit model and prevented oligohydramnios and pulmonary hypoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gratacós
- Center for Surgical Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
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Pijnenborg R. Trophoblast invasion. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7292(00)81956-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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