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Updated: May 18, 2026
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The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
Ontogenic changes in human placental sodium iodide symporter expression
1Conjoint Endocrine Laboratory, Pathology Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, 4029 Brisbane, Australia.
Placenta
|September 8, 2012
Summary
Maternal iodide transport via the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) is crucial for fetal thyroid hormone synthesis. NIS expression in the placenta increases with gestational age, ensuring adequate iodide supply as pregnancy progresses.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Fetal development relies on maternal thyroid hormone, synthesized using iodide.
- The sodium iodide symporter (NIS) is essential for placental iodide transport.
- Understanding NIS regulation is key to fetal health during gestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental changes (ontogeny) of NIS in the human placenta.
- To correlate NIS expression with gestational age and placental development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of placental tissue from surgically terminated pregnancies (early gestation) and normal term pregnancies.
- Quantification of NIS mRNA and protein levels.
- Assessment of placental vascularization.
Main Results:
- NIS mRNA levels were low at 6 weeks gestation, peaking around 12 weeks.
- Placental NIS protein levels significantly increased with gestational age in early pregnancy.
- NIS protein levels correlated positively with placental vascularization.
Conclusions:
- Placental NIS expression is developmentally regulated, increasing to meet fetal iodide demands.
- Enhanced placental vascularization may contribute to increased iodide transport capacity.
- This ensures sufficient iodide supply for fetal thyroid hormone synthesis throughout pregnancy.
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