Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether syncytiotrophoblast microvilli (STBM) are shed into the maternal circulation in increased amounts in pre-eclamptic pregnancies as a possible cause of maternal vascular endothelial dysfunction. DESIGN: A time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay was developed to measure STBM levels in peripheral and uterine venous plasma from normal pregnant and pre-eclamptic women. Three colour flow cytometry was used to assess the microparticulate nature of the STBM in pregnancy plasma. The effects of these plasmas on endothelial cell proliferation was compared and a correlation with the levels of STBM detected was sought. SETTING: A laboratory investigation using clinical samples obtained from an obstetric practice in a teaching hospital. SAMPLES: Peripheral venous plasma from 20 women with established pre-eclampsia, 20 normal pregnant women matched for age, gestation and parity, and 10 nonpregnant women of reproductive age. Paired uterine and peripheral venous plasma taken at caesarean section from 10 women with pre-eclampsia and 10 unmatched normal pregnant women. RESULTS: STBM were detected in the plasma of pregnant women by both flow cytometry and time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay. Significantly higher levels of STBM were found in women with established pre-eclampsia (P=0.01). STBM concentrations were higher in uterine venous plasma than in concurrently sampled peripheral venous plasma, confirming their placental origin. A significant correlation was found between the amount of STBM in the plasma and endothelial cell inhibitory activity. CONCLUSIONS: STBM are shed into the maternal circulation (microvillous deportation) and are present in significantly increased amounts in pre-eclamptic women. They may contribute to the endothelial dysfunction underlying the maternal syndrome of pre-eclampsia.

Original publication

DOI

10.1111/j.1471-0528.1998.tb10178.x

Type

Journal article

Journal

Br J Obstet Gynaecol

Publication Date

06/1998

Volume

105

Pages

632 - 640

Keywords

Adult, Endothelium, Vascular, Female, Flow Cytometry, Fluoroimmunoassay, Humans, Microvilli, Pre-Eclampsia, Pregnancy, Trophoblasts, Vascular Diseases