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Human intermediate trophoblasts express chorionic gonadotropin/luteinizing hormone receptor gene
Y X Tao1, Z M Lei, G E Hofmann
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Kentucky, USA.
Biology of Reproduction
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Human intermediate trophoblasts possess functional hCG/LH receptors, suggesting a role for hCG in early pregnancy processes like trophoblast invasion and maternal recognition. This finding extends previous research on other trophoblast types.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Cell biology
Background:
- Human cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts express functional hCG/LH receptors.
- The presence of these receptors in intermediate trophoblasts remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and localization of hCG/LH receptors in human intermediate trophoblasts.
- To explore the potential role of hCG in regulating intermediate trophoblast function.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization for hCG/LH receptors.
- Immunocytochemistry for human placental lactogen (hPL), an intermediate trophoblast marker.
- Double-immunostaining for hCG/LH receptor and hPL proteins.
- Analysis of human implantation sites (4-8 weeks of pregnancy).
Main Results:
- Some, but not all, intermediate trophoblasts express hCG/LH receptors.
- Receptor expression was higher in endovascular than perivascular intermediate trophoblasts.
- Villus syncytiotrophoblasts showed the highest receptor levels, followed by intermediate trophoblasts, and then villus cytotrophoblasts.
Conclusions:
- Human intermediate trophoblasts contain functional hCG/LH receptors.
- hCG may play a role in trophoblast invasion and maternal recognition of pregnancy.
- Receptor distribution varies by trophoblast subtype and location.