P-selectin in placenta and gestational myometrium: its measurements and hypothetical role in hemostasis of placental bed after labor

Abstract

P-selectin is a member of selectin family (E, L- and P-selectins) which plays a crucial role in reproduction and hemostasis as well as in pathogenesis of preeclampsia. There are no regular studies on P-selectin in placenta and it is not clear whether it is present in gestational myometrium. In the present study, we have asked whether P-selectin is present in placenta and myometrium and in what concentration. The study group consisted of 33 healthy pregnant women at term and/or at the beginning of labor who delivered by cesarean section because of fetal distress or elective reasons. Strips of placenta and myometrium as well as venous blood were obtained during the operation. P-selectin was measured in tissue extracts and plasma with the use of immunoenzymatic assays (ELISA). The median of the level of P-selectin in placenta was 31.65 ng/mg P (total protein), quartiles (Q1-Q3): 24.54-43.35 ng/mg P, and in myometrium 25.54 ng/mg P, quartiles (Q1-Q3): 21.83-35.65 ng/mg P, whereas the median and quartiles (Q1-Q3) of soluble P-selectin in the mother's plasma was 1.14: 0.76-1.63 ng/mg P. The plasma/tissue ratio for placenta was 1:30, and for myometrium -1:25. P-selectin is present in placenta and gestational myometrium; its concentration is relatively high - respectively 30- and 25-times higher than in plasma. On the basis of our studies, we hypothesize about the role of placental and myometrial P-selectin in hemostasis of placental bed after labor.