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Physiological apoptotic agents have different effects upon human amnion epithelial and mesenchymal cells
R M Moore1, R J Silver, J J Moore
1Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA.
Placenta
|February 5, 2003
Summary
Foetal membrane rupture involves tissue remodelling and apoptosis. Prostaglandin release is linked to apoptosis in amnion epithelial cells, but mesenchymal cells show different sensitivities to apoptotic agents.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Cellular and molecular biology
Background:
- Foetal membrane rupture is linked to tissue remodelling and apoptosis.
- Previous studies show apoptotic agents increase prostaglandin release in amnion epithelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the susceptibility of amnion mesenchymal cells to apoptotic agents.
- Determine if prostaglandin metabolism is linked to apoptosis in amnion mesenchymal cells.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of amnion epithelial and mesenchymal cells with lactosylceramide and 15d-PGJ(2).
- Measurement of prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) and neutral sphingomyelinase (NMP) production.
- Assessment of apoptosis induction and inhibition by PKA activators.
Main Results:
- Lactosylceramide induced apoptosis and prostaglandin release in epithelial cells, but not mesenchymal cells.
- 15d-PGJ(2) increased prostaglandin release and apoptosis in both cell types.
- PKA activators inhibited 15d-PGJ(2) effects in epithelial cells, but not mesenchymal cells.
Conclusions:
- Major amnion cell types exhibit differential sensitivity to physiological apoptotic agents.
- Prostaglandin release occurs concurrently with apoptosis in both amnion epithelial and mesenchymal cells.