Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation
Published on: April 14, 2023
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.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
Protein Kinases and Phosphatases
Protein kinases
Many proteins in the cell are regulated by phosphorylation, the addition of a phosphate group. A family of enzymes called kinases...
The Evidence for Evolution
Solubility Equilibria
The...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
Factors Affecting Solubility

