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Immunohistochemical localization of nitric oxide synthase in human fetal membranes
E Marinoni1, R Di Iorio, L Scucchi
1Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Subject:
It has been demonstrated that L-arginine-nitric oxide (NO) system is present in the myometrium during pregnancy where it can regulate uterine contractility.
Material And Method:
We have studied by immunohistochemistry the localization of constitutive endothelial nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) and brain nitric oxide synthase (bNOS) in human fetal membranes in term non laboring women.
Results:
The amniotic epithelium and the trophoblast of chorion layer stained intensively for bNOS, while for ecNOS the immunoreactivity was weak and restricted to trophoblast cells.
Conclusion:
These findings are suggestive for NO production by the fetal membranes in term pregnancy.