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Atrial natriuretic factor production by the human placenta
1Cell Biology Unit, Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, Royal Park Hospital, Parkville, Australia.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Human placenta produces atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), a peptide regulating cardiovascular and renal functions. This study found evidence of ANF synthesis in placental cytotrophoblast-like cells, suggesting local or circulating effects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a peptide hormone primarily produced by the heart to regulate cardiovascular and renal functions.
- While ANF is found in various tissues, its production in the human placenta was previously uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the de novo production of ANF in the human placenta.
- To identify the specific placental cells responsible for ANF synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay of ANF levels in placental tissue extracts and perfusates.
- In situ hybridization to localize pro-ANF mRNA in placental sections.
- Northern blot analysis of placental tissue for pro-ANF mRNA.
Main Results:
- Significant levels of immunoreactive ANF were detected in placental tissues and perfusates.
- Pro-ANF mRNA was localized to a subpopulation of placental cytotrophoblast-like cells.
- Northern blot confirmed the presence of a pro-ANF mRNA transcript of approximately 0.85 Kb.
Conclusions:
- The human placenta expresses and produces ANF, likely within cytotrophoblast-like cells.
- Placental ANF may exert local (paracrine/autocrine) or systemic effects via the fetoplacental circulation.