Fetal Part Of Placenta Research Articles

Human Endogenous Retroviruses Are Preferentially Expressed in Mononuclear Cells From Cord Blood Than From Maternal Blood and in the Fetal Part of Placenta.

Background: Placenta shows high transcription levels of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) that are overexpressed during embryonic and fetal development.Methods: In order to gather further information on the degree of HERV activation in maternal and fetal tissues we assessed the transcription levels of pol genes of HERV-H, -K, and -W in PBMCs of newborns and their mothers as well as in chorion (fetal part) and decidua basalis (maternal part) of the placenta using a real time PCR assay.Results: Transcripts of pol genes of the three HERV families were significantly higher in mononuclear cells from cord blood than from maternal blood and in the fetal part than in the maternal part of the placenta.Conclusions: The HERV over-expressions in cells and tissues of the offspring are further clues that they play pivotal physiologic roles during early life events and suggest that HERV-driven abnormalities of pregnancy and fetal development may derive mostly from the conceptus, not from the mother.

Placental barrier permeability to Ca, P, and Mg in the diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia

The experience carried out in two groups of female dogs of different gestational age on 35-th day (first period), 45-th day (second period), 55-th day (third period), and 65-th day (fourth period). The weight of animals ranged from 21-27 kg, and age from 2.4 to 4.5 years. We selected the animals of different breeds, in which the ultrasound detected at least five fetuses. Diet of control group consisted of natural foods (cereals, meat, vegetables), involved–with Bosch Production and vitamin-mineral complex Caniletten (tablets) or Canipulver (powder) according to the dosage recommended by the manufacturer. The experiments were conducted for five years in clinically healthy pregnant dogs, who had healthy puppies (control) and subclinical patients with the development in the postnatal period have they had fathered puppies of dysplasia or hip elbow (experience). At the same time the overall clinical status of all born pups up to 3 months of age determined. All pregnant animals were determined by morphological and biochemical composition of venous blood from pups of different age obtained at caesarean section, collected the umbilical cord, puncture of membranes – amniotic fluid and alantoine, after their autopsy, the liver, hip and elbow joints. Blood analysis and examination of fetuses and organs removed from them were carried out by conventional methods, mineral composition of blood, provisional organs and joint tissues by means of flame spectrophotometry. In the blood of pregnant female dogs we determined the content of Ca, P and Mg in the direction of a blood of mother – the fetal part of the placenta – the blood of the umbilical vein, the liver of fetal – tissue puppies – and alantoin amniotic fluid. There were no regular changes in the number of blood elements in the studied animals, but the number of red blood cells, the average volume, percentage, and absolute width of their distribution are lower in experimental animals compared to the control. The morphological analysis of differences in the cytological composition of blood and leucogramma did not revealed any variation, while the biochemical analysis found a significant increase in activity of AST and alkaline phosphatase for the experimental animals. We found that the fetal part of placenta accumulates Ca, P and Mg in concentrations much higher than in the mother blood. Main share of Ca from the mother blood in control group entered the fetal part of placenta during the second study period, share of P – during the first and third periods, and share of Mg gradually increased from the first to the fourth periods. The level of minerals in the blood of female dogs of the control group was critical during the second to third periods, from 45 to 55 days of pregnancy, and acted as a potential bioindicator of preventive diagnosis of canine joint dysplasia. During this period of pregnancy it is necessary to apply the adjustment rations by providing the animals with minerals. Key words: Intrauterine development; Fetus; Pregnancy; Provisional organs; Liver

2D Electrophoretic pattern of bovine placental proteins during early-mid pregnancy.

The Placenta, like every tissue, possesses its own characteristic protein profile, which may change within the course of pregnancy. These changes can be used for the elucidation of the mechanisms related to both physiology of pregnancy and pathological events. The aim of the study was to describe proteinergic profiles of maternal and fetal parts of bovine placenta during early-mid pregnancy by the use of 2D electrophoresis and MALDI TOF/TOF MS identification to evaluate dynamics of the possible changes necessary for placentation. Placental samples were collected from six pregnant cows (3-5 months) in the local abattoir. Placentomes were separated, and proteins were extracted and subjected to 2D electrophoresis and MALDI TOF/TOF identification. Out of 907 spots identified by the statistical analysis of gels, 54 were identified. Out of this number, 36 spots were significantly different between examined samples. Moreover, the obtained patterns differed between maternal and fetal parts of the placenta with regard to the intensity of staining, suggesting quantitative differences in protein content. These preliminary results are unique for this period of pregnancy. Such data are important for further experiments to obtain full protein profiles necessary to understand biochemical mechanisms underlying the attachment between fetal and maternal parts of the placenta during placentation. Moreover, the outcomes may help in elucidating pregnancy biomarkers in the future.

Identification of protein patterns in bovine placenta at early-mid pregnancy - Pilot studies.

Placenta is a crucial tissue for an appropriate development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy. Its composition and structure change dynamically along pregnancy but the full pattern of these changes is not fully described in cows yet. The aim of the present study was to detect qualitative and quantitative protein profiles of bovine placenta during early-mid pregnancy at the time of placental formation. Placental tissues from healthy cows (n = 3) in early pregnancy (3-5 months) were collected at the slaughterhouse. Maternal and fetal parts were manually divided prior to homogenization. Further analysis was done in triplicates on the maternal and fetal parts separately and subjected to one-dimensional (1D) electrophoretic separation, followed by identification of peptide maps by nanospray liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC/MS/MS). Proteins were identified by use of the MASCOT software with the SwissProt database. Proteomic analysis showed more than 4000 differentially expressed proteins in maternal and fetal parts of placenta. Each part expressed around 900 proteins, of which ca. 90 were common. The identified proteins were analyzed in accordance to molecular function and their participation in biological processes. The obtained results provide new insight into the knowledge about biochemical characteristics of placenta (new proteins) and serve for further studies on the possible markers of physiological/pathological pregnancy or function of placenta. Moreover, our data can be a good starting point for further studies on the processes underlying the attachment of placenta.

The comparison of protein map between retained and released bovine placenta

Placental retention in cows may be the result of altered protein pattern in comparison to physiologically released fetal membranes. Aim of study was to separate and identify proteins from maternal and fetal part of placenta and to compare them between released and retained fetal membranes. Six not retained and 6 retained tissues were obtained from healthy cows during routinely performed caesarian section. Cows were allocated to appropriate groups retrospectively. Samples were homogenized in phosphate buffer and subjected to 2D electrophoresis. After analysis of gels selected spots were excised and proteins were identified by MS.Two-dimensional electrophoresis detected and identified 886 spots in examined tissues. Significant differences (p < .05) were noticed between appropriate parts of retained and released placenta. In maternal part of retained placenta 40 spots showed lower abundance and 47 higher abundance in comparison to healthy samples. While in fetal part of retained placenta respective values were 60 and 125 proteins. Out of 73 identified proteins, 26 were significantly different between respective maternal (19) and fetal (7) part of retained and released placenta.In summary, protein profile of released and retained placenta express the presence and abundance of different proteins. It may suggest that selected proteins could be target molecules in searching for reasons for placental retention. Further identification of spots obtained here may provide with more detailed explanation of mechanisms of placental retention.

Preliminary results of the placental decorin profile in bovine pregnancy and parturition

Decorin is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan which is involved in multiple biological functions mainly as a structural and signaling molecule. Due to its biological properties in connective tissue, decorin may participate in remodeling of ECM during attachment and detachment of placenta within the course of pregnancy and at parturition in cows. The aim of the study was to detect the presence of decorin protein in bovine placental tissues and to evaluate its profile during pregnancy and at parturition. Placental tissues from healthy pregnant cows (2–5 month) were collected in abattoir (n = 10), while parturient tissues were obtained during caesarian section at physiological term (n = 6). Maternal and fetal parts were separated manually and subjected to homogenization and to quantitative ELISA and verification by Western blotting with anti-decorin antibodies. ELISA test showed that the concentration of decorin during pregnancy was higher in the fetal part of placenta compared with the maternal part (p < 0.001). Similar pattern was noted regarding to maternal and fetal samples derived from parturient cows. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the concentration of decorin is gestation time-dependent in healthy bovine placenta. Possible confirmation of the involvement of decorin in early pregnancy attachment and detachment of the placenta during parturition requires further research.

Effect of dibutyltin on placental and fetal toxicity in rat

In order to elucidate the effect of chorioallantoic and yolk sac placenta on the embryonic/fetal toxicity in dibutyltin dichloride (DBTCl)-exposed rats, we examined the histopathological changes and the tissue distribution of dibutyltin in the placentas and embryos. DBTCl was orally administered to the groups at doses of 0 mg/kg during gestation days (GD)s 7-9 (control group) and 20 mg/kg during GDs 7-9 (GD7-9 treated group), and GDs 10-12 (GD10-12 treated group). The total fetal mortality was increased, and malformations characterized by craniofacial dysmorphism were detected in the GD7-9 treated group. The embryonic/fetal weight and placental weight showed a decrease in both DBTCl-treated groups. Histologically, some embryos on GD 9.5 in the GD7-9 treated group underwent apoptosis without any changes of yolk sac. In the laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analysis (LA-ICP-MS), tin was detected in the embryo, allantois, yolk sac, ectoplacental cone and decidual mass surrounding the conceptus on GD 9.5 in the GD7-9 treated group. Thus, it is considered that the embryo in this period is specifically sensitive to DBTCl-induced apoptosis, compared with other parts. The chorioallantoic placentas in both DBTCl-treated groups showed the developmental delay and hypoplasia in the fetal parts of placenta, resulting from apoptosis and mitotic inhibition. Thus, it was speculated that the DBTCl-induced malformations and fetal resorption resulted from the apoptosis in the embryo caused by the direct effect of DBTCl. The DBTCl-induced lesions in the chorioallantoic placenta were a non-specific transient developmental retardation in the fetal parts of placenta, leading to intrauterine growth retardation.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE FETAL INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE SYNDROME ON POSTNATAL ADAPTATION OF THE NEWBORNS

The fetal inflammatory response syndrome associates with inflammation in placenta which expansion determinates the course of neonatal period. The authors show the role of the inflammation of the fetal part of placenta in the development of systemic fetal inflammatory response syndrome, endothelial activation and neuro-endocrine-immune imbalance. It is possible to conclude that this disorders play important role in manifestation of the clinical symptoms of antenatal infection in the early neonatal period.

Total antioxidant capacity of bovine spontaneously released and retained placenta

Exposure of living organisms to a constant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulted in the development of antioxidative defence systems which protect cells and tissues against their harmful effects. The retention of fetal membranes (RFM) in cows is hypothesized to be connected with the imbalance between production and neutralization of ROS. The efficiency of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidative systems can be detected by the determination of single components of this system or by so-called total antioxidant capacity (TAC). In the present study, total antioxidant capacity was compared with previously measured parameters of antioxidative defence mechanisms in placental tissues of cows with respect to time of fetal membranes expulsion and mode of delivery. Placental samples were divided into: (A) caesarian section before term (272–277 days of pregnancy) without RFM ( n = 9), (B) caesarian section before term with RFM ( n = 14), (C) caesarian section at term (282–288 days of pregnancy) without RFM ( n = 12), (D) caesarian section at term with RFM ( n = 16), (E) spontaneous delivery at term without RFM ( n = 8), (F) spontaneous delivery at term with RFM ( n = 8). TAC was measured spectrophotometrically at 593 nm by use of 2,4,6-tri-pyridyl- s-triazine in homogenates of maternal and fetal part of placenta and expressed as μmol/g protein (mean ± S.E.M.). The values of TAC were significantly higher ( P ≤ 0.05) in the fetal than in maternal part in preterm samples (A – maternal: 27.24 ± 4.17 μmol/g prot, fetal: 63.67 ± 18.16, B – maternal: 49.80 ± 5.11, fetal: 70.96 ± 13.23). The opposite relationship was noticed in term samples. Significantly higher values were observed in retained than in not retained placental tissues (C – maternal: 32.40 ± 6.12, fetal: 16.29 ± 3.97, D – maternal: 48.17 ± 6.91, fetal: 27.92 ± 4.72, E – maternal: 40.55 ± 2.66, fetal: 27.90 ± 1.23, F – maternal: 45.85 ± 6.40, fetal: 43.50 ± 4.61). Values of TAC are comparable with previously determined single parameters of antioxidative defence mechanisms in placental tissues and may be of clinical importance. Whether they reflect plasma values as well requires further evaluation.

Prostaglandin E2 9-keto reductase activity in bovine retained and not retained placenta

Prostaglandin E2 9-keto reductase (9-KPR) activity shifts reversibly PGE2 into PGF2 α and may be responsible for the control of prostaglandins (PGs) levels in, among others, placental tissues. The retention of fetal membranes in cows is the postpartum disorder where the disturbances in PGs metabolism have been reported. It has been argued whether these disturbances are due to alterations in 9-KPR activity. In this study, the activity of the enzyme was determined in maternal and fetal bovine placental tissues which were divided into 6 groups as follows: (A) caesarian section before term without retained fetal membranes (n=10), (B) caesarian section before term with retained fetal membranes (n=10), (C) caesarian section at term without retained fetal membranes (n=12), (D) caesarian section at term with retained fetal membranes (n=12), (E) spontaneous delivery at term without retained fetal membranes (n=12), (F) spontaneous delivery at term with retained fetal membranes (n=12). The enzyme activity was measured spectrophotometrically and expressed in nanokatals (nkat) per protein content. The activity increased towards parturition and was significantly higher in maternal than in fetal part of placenta in all groups examined. The significantly higher values in retained than in not retained placental tissues were observed in the samples examined. The present results indicate that the disturbances in 9-KPR activity in bovine retained placenta exist but their reasons still require further experiments.

The levels of lipid peroxidation products in bovine retained and not retained placenta

Unsaturated fatty acids undergo peroxidation processes. The presence of elevated levels of metabolites of lipid peroxidation processes may cause alterations in metabolic pathways which may lead to disturbances and clinical symptoms of illnesses. One such illness may be retention of fetal membranes (RFM) in cows. The aim of the study was the determination of thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reactive substances, conjugated dienes and hydroperoxides in bovine retained and not retained placenta in order to describe the oxidative status of cows affected with RFM. Placental samples were collected immediately after spontaneous delivery or caesarian section before term and at term and divided into 6 groups, with 16 animals in each group, as follows: A) caesarian section before term without RFM: B) caesarian section before term with RFM: C) caesarian section at term without RFM: D) caesarian section at term with RFM: E) spontaneous delivery at term without RFM; F) spontaneous delivery with RFM. The levels of TBA reactive substances, conjugated dienes and hydroperoxides were measured spectrophotometrically. The levels of all parameters were statistically significantly higher in the maternal than in the fetal part of placenta and the lowest in preterm groups. Statistically significantly higher concentrations in retained placenta samples than in control animals were observed. In conclusion, the metabolites of lipid peroxidation processes are elevated in cases of retained placenta and their presence might influence directly and/or indirectly the improper release of fetal membranes in cows.

Activity of 72-kDa and 92-kDa matrix metalloproteinases in placental tissues of cows with and without retained fetal membranes

This study compared the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in retained and non-retained bovine placenta. The activities of MMPs and their zymogens were measured in fetal and maternal placental tissues from control cows (group B) and animals affected with retention of fetal membranes (group A) using a zymography technique on 10 per cent SDS polyacrylamide gels. The activity of proMMP-9 detected only in the maternal part of the placenta was lower in group A than in group B. ProMMP-2 activity was higher in group A than in group B in both tissues. The active forms of MMP-2 were observed in the maternal and fetal part of placenta in group B, but only the 68-kDa form was detected in the placental tissues of group A. The differences in enzyme activity between the groups and the lack of 64- and 60-kDa active forms of MMP-2 in the maternal and fetal parts of the retained placenta may have influenced the hydrolysis of collagen and the proper release of fetal membranes.

EXPRESSION OF CHOLECALCIN (9,000MW CHOLECALCIFEROL-INDUCED CaBP) GENE DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF RAT AND HUMAN FETUSES

The marked rise in intestinal absorption of calcium and in the placental transfer of this ion in rats during the last days of gestation is associated with an increase in CaBP 9K in the maternal duodenum and placenta (Delorme et al. J. Dev. Physiol. 1, 181, 1979). We now report a comparative analysis of the expression of the CaBP 9K gene in the maternal duodenum and in maternal and fetal parts of the placenta at different stages of the gestation in rat and also in specific tissues during the development of human fetuses. CaBP 9K mRNA levels were examined in these tissues by Dot-blot hybridization. Size analysis of the mRNA sequences was performed by electrophoretic fractionation on agarose gels and Northern hybridization to 32p cloned rat duodenal CaBP 9K cDNA. A homogeneous 500-600 nucleotide mRNA species was shown when RNA from different tissues was hybridized to the cDNA probe. In the rat, the highest concentration of CaBP 9K mRNA occured on the last day of gestation in both tissues. At this time, CaBP 9K mRNA was 20-30 times less concentrated in fetal and maternal parts of placenta than in the maternal duodenum. CaBP 9K mRNA concentration in the maternal duodenum doubled from day 15 to day 21 while in the maternal placenta CaBP 9K mRNA increased 7 fold during the same period. Studies in the human fetuses reveal that the CaBP 9K-Da mRNA appeared early during the development in specific tissues. This evolution of CaBP 9K mRNA levels in maternal duodenum and fetal placenta during pregnancy provides evidence for an active process of CaBP 9K biosynthesis associated with concomittant changes in calcium transfer in these tissues.