Regulatory proteins in placental angiogenesis

Anil Kumar K V,Kavitha S,Sreekanth K S

doi:10.51248/.v41i4.944

Abstract

The vasculature of the placenta plays a crucial role during the course of pregnancy in order to maintain the growing need of the fetus. Abnormal placental structure and function significantly increase the risk of stillbirth. Various growth factors and cytokines play an important role in the vasculogenesis and angiogenesis of placenta. These processes are stimulated by various pro-angiogenic factors. The activities of these factors are also stimulated by hypoxia. In some of the physiological phenomenon like ovulation, embryogenesis as well as in wound healing intense blood vessel growth can be seen similar to that seen in placenta. Therefore, factors that induce and maintain placental vascular growth and function are of considerable developmental and clinical significance. The total arterial architecture may also depend upon the pro-angiogenic factors. Hormones and other growth factors are other contributors of this vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Any dysfunction of factors can lead to foetal hypoxia and related complications. This review describes the major growth factors and their significant role in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis of placenta.

Highlights

The placenta of a mammalian is a union or apposition of the foetal membranes to the uterine mucosa for physiological exchange
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)/VPF is a secreted growth factor that is mitogenic especially for endothelial cells in culture, angiogenic in vivo, and promotes vascular permeability, which leads to the development of vascular stroma; the expression of VEGF/VPF and its receptors correlates strongly with periods of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis during embryonic development and with programmed neovascularization that occurs in the female reproductive cycle (Fig. 4)
Several physiological changes are associated with placenta during pregnancy

Summary

Introduction

The placenta of a mammalian is a union or apposition of the foetal membranes to the uterine mucosa for physiological exchange. Anil et al: Regulatory proteins in placental angiogenesis cellular mechanisms to cause structural changes at the maternal-foetal interface, which together contribute to the formation of the utero-placental circulation. Maternal blood flow within the uterus and placenta is stimulated by oestrogen during pregnancy.

Results

Conclusion