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Updated: Mar 20, 2026
Isolation of Primary Mouse Trophoblast Cells and Trophoblast Invasion Assay
Published on: January 8, 2012
A simple histochemical method for the identification of cytotrophoblasts in tissue sections
Carolyn J P Jones1, Saxon C Whittle1, John D Aplin1
1Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.
Insights
A new method uses Bandeiraea simplicifolia-II lectin to identify placental cytotrophoblast cells by targeting glycogen. This technique can serve as a valuable marker for these cells during early pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Placental cytotrophoblast cells play a crucial role in early pregnancy.
- Identifying and characterizing these cells is essential for understanding placental development and function.
- Existing methods for cytotrophoblast cell identification may have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple and effective method for demonstrating placental cytotrophoblast cells.
- To evaluate the utility of Bandeiraea simplicifolia-II lectin as a marker for cytotrophoblast cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the lectin from Bandeiraea simplicifolia-II (BSA-II) which has an affinity for intracellular amylase-sensitive glycogen.
- Employed a protocol involving biotinylated BSA-II.
- Used an avidin-peroxidase revealing system for detection.
Main Results:
- The method successfully demonstrated placental cytotrophoblast cells.
- Cytotrophoblast cells in chorionic and anchoring villi showed intense staining in early pregnancy.
- Staining intensity decreased with ongoing cell differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Bandeiraea simplicifolia-II lectin is a useful marker for identifying placental cytotrophoblast cells.
- The described method provides a simple approach for visualizing these cells.
- The lectin's staining pattern correlates with cytotrophoblast differentiation status.
Abstract:
A simple method for the demonstration of placental cytotrophoblast cells is described, utilising the affinity of the lectin from Bandeiraea simplicifolia-II (BSA-II) for intracellular amylase-sensitive glycogen and a protocol using biotinylated BSA-II followed by an avidin-peroxidase revealing system. In early pregnancy, cytotrophoblast cells in chorionic and anchoring villi are deeply stained and with ongoing differentiation the staining gradually decreases in intensity, suggesting that this lectin can be a useful marker for these cells.
