Open AccessHEAT SHOCK PROTEIN EXPRESSION IN HUMAN PLACENTA AND UMBILICAL CORD
Author(s) -
Ding-gang Li,
Christopher B. Gordon,
Carole A. Stagg,
Robert Udelsman
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
shock
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.095
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1540-0514
pISSN - 1073-2322
DOI - 10.1097/00024382-199605000-00002
Subject(s) - umbilical cord , placenta , heat shock protein , fetus , andrology , western blot , immunohistochemistry , cord , placental circulation , in situ hybridization , shock (circulatory) , apgar score , placenta cord banking , fetal circulation , medicine , biology , messenger rna , pathology , anatomy , pregnancy , surgery , biochemistry , gene , genetics
We examined the level of heat shock proteins (HSPs) present in umbilical cord vessels and placenta following delivery. A 10 cm segment of fresh umbilical cord was obtained immediately after delivery and a placental biopsy was obtained following the third stage of labor. Apgar scores, cord pHs, and pertinent histories were recorded. Tissues were prepared and analyzed for HSP mRNA by in situ hybridization, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Sixteen patients were studied. HSP72 mRNA was selectively expressed in the vascular smooth muscle in all cord arteries and veins. This correlated with marked expression of HSP72 protein in the vascular media. Both HSP72/73 mRNA and protein expression were noted diffusely in the placenta. HSP27 protein was highly expressed in umbilical cords with lower levels present in placentas. There were no correlations between method of delivery, gestational age, Apgar score, cord pH, or fetal outcome to the magnitude or distribution of the HSP response. This is the first demonstration of HSP expression in the human maternal-fetal circulation.