Expression of Aquaporin-8 in Human Oligohydramnios Placenta and Fetal Membranes

Abstract

Objective To detect aquaporin-8(AQP-8) expression in human oligohydramnios placenta and fetal membranes. Methods From December 2008 to January 2009, placenta and fetal membranes samples were obtained from 6 women with oligohydramnios (study group) and 10 women with normal amniotic fluid volume(control group). All of them met the following conditions: Single birth, full term, not in labor, and without pregnancy complications, fetal distress and fetal malformations. All the 16 cases underwent elective cesarean section in department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyong Hospital of Shenzhen. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. There had no significant difference in age, pregnancy situations, and pregnancy outcome(P>0.05). Aquaporin-8 expression in the tissue samples was detected by immunohistochemical streptavidin enzyme complex (SABC) method. Results Aquaproin-8 expression was detected in both human oligohydramnios placenta and fetal membranes. Aquaproin-8 expression of control group was significantly lower than that of study group (P<0.05). Conclusion Aquaproin-8 expression has a significant reduction in human oligohydramnios placenta and fetal membranes, and it may play an important role in the maternal-fetal fluid exchange and absorption of membrane channels. Key words: aquaporin-8 (AQP-8); oligohydramnios; immunohistochemical streptavidin enzyme complex method; human placenta, membranes