Circulating soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 is placentally derived in normal pregnancy: First in vivo evidence

Ana Sofia Cerdeira1, Neva Kandzija2, Pille Pargmae3

  • 1Nuffield Department of Women's Health and Reproductive Research, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Center, John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Center, John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom.

Circulating sFlt-1 increases significantly in pregnancy compared to the non-pregnant state and even more so in the event of preeclampsia. We set out to determine if circulating sFlt-1 is placentally derived in normal pregnancy. Paired uterine and peripheral vein samples were collected at time of caesarean section. A follow up peripheral sample was collected in the postpartum period. There was a significant sFlt-1 gradient between uterine and peripheral veins. sFlt-1 levels dropped significantly when the placenta has been removed, i.e. postnatally. This is in keeping with the placenta being the main site of sFlt-1 production in normal pregnancies.

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