Premium
A Novel Three‐Dimensional In Vitro System to Study Trophoblast–Endothelium Cell Interactions
Author(s) -
Aldo Paulomi B.,
Krikun Graciela,
Visintin Irene,
Lockwood Charles,
Romero Roberto,
Mor Gil
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2007.00493.x
Subject(s) - trophoblast , matrigel , spiral artery , endothelium , microbiology and biotechnology , endothelial stem cell , biology , immunology , in vitro , placenta , endocrinology , fetus , biochemistry , genetics , pregnancy
Pregnancy complications have been linked to improper trophoblast migration and failure of spiral artery transformation. Endothelial cells play an essential role in directing trophoblast migration and transformation, although by an unknown mechanism. We describe a novel in vitro model to evaluate endothelial–trophoblast interaction and signaling in a three‐dimensional system. Method of study Immortalized human endometrial endothelial cell line and first trimester trophoblast cells were co‐cultured. Endothelial transformation into vessel‐like structures occurred in Matrigel TM OpenLab Image Analysis software was used to monitor labeled trophoblast migration and endothelium transformation. Cytokine/chemokine production was determined using Multiplex. Results Trophoblast migrates toward endothelial cells in Matrigel, aligns on top of the endothelium within 4–8 hr and achieves complete replacement of the endothelium by 72–96 hr. Lipopolysaccharide treatment damages the endothelium and disrupts endothelium–trophoblast interaction. Conclusion We report a novel three‐dimensional in vitro and in vivo system of trophoblast–endothelium cell interaction. Significant changes in endothelial cells’ phenotype are observed upon differentiation in Matrigel. These changes may be necessary for endothelium to direct trophoblast migration and transformation.