Molecular markers for human placental investigation

The human placenta is a source for a variety of growth factors, hormones, and other proteins. The cellular source of the proteins can be best determined by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry can also be used to identify a specific cell type and to differentiate it from other types of cells. Thus, there is the need for specific markers of those cell types that are present in the placenta. In this chapter, the basic protocols for the identification of proteins in a tissue section are described. This chapter focuses on methods that are available in the majority of laboratories, and therefore concentrates on methods that are used together with light microscopy.