Abstract
While the presence and distribution of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in different normal trophoblast cell populations is known, no information is available regarding their occurrence in malignant trophoblast of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Galectins-1 and -3 have, however, been implicated in malignancies of other tissues. Immunoreactivity for these galectins in the transformed trophoblast of invasive mole ( n=8), choriocarcinoma ( n=7) and one case of placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) was compared to that of the invasive trophoblast of the normal first trimester of pregnancy implantation sites ( n=9). A large proportion of the transformed trophoblast cells of all GTD studied were positive for galectin-1 and galectin-3. Immunoreactivity was scored semiquantitatively to include both the prevalence among the trophoblast cells and the intensity of staining. Immunoreactivity for both galectin-1 and galectin-3 in gestational trophoblastic disease is increased (significant differences at p<0.05, Mann–Whitney Rank Sum Test). This finding may suggest a possible implication of galectins-1 and -3 in the invasiveness of the transformed trophoblastic cell, although the exact physiological significance of this finding remains to be determined.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.