Urocortin 2 and urocortin 3 are expressed by the human placenta, deciduas, and fetal membranes.
Am J Obstet Gynecol
; 195(1): 288-95, 2006 Jul.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16626608
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Urocortin 2 (UCN2) and urocortin 3 (UCN 3) are recently identified neuropeptides showing homology to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). In the present study, we evaluated their expression and localization in gestational tissues (placenta, decidua, fetal membranes), and their effect on placental adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion. STUDYDESIGN:
The study was performed in a tertiary clinical care center. Tissues were obtained at first (n = 8; 8-11 weeks of pregnancy) and third (n = 8; 38-40 gestational weeks) trimester. The mRNA expression was evaluated by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); the cellular localization by immunohistochemistry; ACTH levels were measured in media collected from cultured placental villi.RESULTS:
All tissues analyzed expressed UCN2 and UCN3 mRNA. UCN2 and UCN3 were localized in cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cells; UCN2 was present in maternal and fetal vessels and in amniotic cells, while UCN3 was absent. Finally, UCN2 and UCN3 did not stimulate ACTH secretion.CONCLUSION:
Gestational tissues differentially express UCN2 and UCN3 and, despite their homology to CRF, they did not stimulate placental ACTH secretion.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Placenta
/
Hormona Liberadora de Corticotropina
/
Decidua
/
Membranas Extraembrionarias
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Obstet Gynecol
Año:
2006
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia