Localization and endogenous concentration of endothelin-like immunoreactivity in human placenta

in Journal of Endocrinology
Authors:
C. L. van Papendorp
Search for other papers by C. L. van Papendorp in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
I. T. Cameron
Search for other papers by I. T. Cameron in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
A. P. Davenport
Search for other papers by A. P. Davenport in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
A. King
Search for other papers by A. King in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
P. J. Barker
Search for other papers by P. J. Barker in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
N. S. Huskisson
Search for other papers by N. S. Huskisson in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
R. S. Gilmour
Search for other papers by R. S. Gilmour in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
M. J. Brown
Search for other papers by M. J. Brown in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
S. K. Smith
Search for other papers by S. K. Smith in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access
Rent on DeepDyve

Sign up for journal news

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the localization of endothelin-like immunoreactivity (ET-IR) in human placenta, chorion and amnion and to compare the endogenous concentration of immunoreactive endothelin (ET) in these tissues before and after the onset of labour. ET-IR was detected in the endothelium of stem vessels in placental villi, as well as in decidual stromal cells in the basal maternal plate, by immunocytochemistry using a primary polyclonal rabbit antibody. A specific radioimmunoassay was used to detect endogenous concentration of ET in homogenized placental tissues. The endogenous concentration of ET-IR was significantly greater in amnion than in chorion and placenta (amnion 249 ±13 fmol/g; chorion 190 ±11 fmol/g; placenta 169±14 fmol/g; means ± s.e.m.; n = 12; P < 0·01). No significant difference was seen before or after the onset of labour. The detection of ET-IR in placenta, chorion and amnion suggests that the ETs may play a role in the paracrine control of human uterine function.

Journal of Endocrinology (1991) 131, 507–511