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Endothelial cell lesion in preeclampsia. Morphofunctional study using umbilical endothelial cells
R Gilabert1, J Bellart, M Jové
1Unitat Anatomia Humana i Embriologia, Hospital Universitari de Tarragona Joan XXIII, Facultat de Medicina i Ciencies de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain.
Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation
|February 9, 1999
Summary
Preeclampsia causes endothelial cell damage in umbilical cords, characterized by cellular changes and vessel wall alterations. These findings in preeclamptic pregnancies confirm in vitro endothelial cell lesions.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Vascular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication.
- Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of preeclampsia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphofunctional changes in umbilical cords from preeclamptic pregnancies.
- To characterize endothelial cell alterations in preeclampsia.
Main Methods:
- Morphofunctional analysis of umbilical cords.
- Endothelial cell culture from preeclamptic pregnancies.
Main Results:
- Umbilical cords showed increased secretion bladders, microvilli-like protrusions, and collagen, fibrin, fibronectin, and lipidic vesicles in the vessel wall.
- Endothelial cells exhibited vacuolization, lipidic vacuoles, lipophages, erosion, and disorganization.
- In vitro endothelial cell cultures displayed kinetic disorders and detachment.
Conclusions:
- Preeclampsia induces significant endothelial cell lesion in umbilical cords.
- The observed cellular disorder in preeclampsia can be replicated in vitro, supporting its role in the pathology.