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Enhanced Expression of Fas‐Associated Proteins in Decidual and Trophoblastic Tissues in Pregnancy‐Induced Hypertension
Author(s) -
KOENIG JOYCE M.,
CHEGINI NASSER
Publication year - 2000
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.8755-8920.2000.440605.x
Subject(s) - decidua , fas ligand , placenta , amnion , apoptosis , gestation , biology , immunohistochemistry , andrology , fetal membrane , decidual cells , endocrinology , fetus , medicine , pregnancy , programmed cell death , immunology , biochemistry , genetics
PROBLEM: To determine if feto‐placental tissues from gestations complicated by pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) have altered expression of Fas‐associated proteins.
METHOD OF STUDY: The expression of several Fas‐related proteins was determined in fetal membranes, decidua, and placentas obtained from PIH‐affected ( n =12, age range 32–36 weeks) and normal ( n =6, age range 37–41 weeks) gestations. Paraffin‐embedded tissue sections were stained with specific monoclonal antibodies to Fas, Fas ligand (FasL), caspase‐3, and bax.
RESULTS: We observed greater expression of Fas and FasL in amnion and decidua from PIH‐affected gestations than in normal controls. Intense staining was observed only in the perivascular endothelium (caspase‐3) and in decidual cells (bax) from PIH gestations.
CONCLUSION: Differential expression of Fas‐related proteins in fetal membranes, decidua, and placentas from PIH‐affected gestations is consistent with increased apoptosis, and suggests activation of the Fas/FasL pathway in a tissue‐specific manner.