RESUMO
Copper is an essential trace element necessary for normal growth and development. During pregnancy, copper is transported from the maternal circulation to the fetus by mechanisms which have not been clearly elucidated. Two copper transporting ATPases, Menkes (ATP7A; MNK) and Wilson (ATP7B; WND) are known to be expressed in the placenta and are thought to have a role in copper transport to the fetus. In this study, the expression and localization of the MNK and WND proteins in the human placenta were investigated in detail using immunoperoxidase and double-label immunohistochemistry. MNK and WND are differentially localized within the placenta. MNK is present in the syncytiotrophoblast, the cytotrophoblast and the fetal vascular endothelial cells whereas WND is only in the syncytiotrophoblast. Placental levels of both proteins, measured by Western blot analysis, did not change across pregnancy. These data offer some insights into possible roles for MNK and WND within the placenta.
Assuntos
Adenosina Trifosfatases/análise , Proteínas de Transporte de Cátions/análise , Placenta/enzimologia , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusão/análise , Western Blotting , ATPases Transportadoras de Cobre , Endotélio Vascular/enzimologia , Feminino , Feto/irrigação sanguínea , Idade Gestacional , Humanos , Técnicas Imunoenzimáticas , Imuno-Histoquímica , Gravidez , Trofoblastos/enzimologiaRESUMO
In a double-blind, single-dose study, the analgesic effect of a combined ibuprofen-codeine phosphate preparation was compared with those of zomepirac and placebo in 127 patients with moderate or severe postepisiotomy pain. Both the combination and zomepirac were significantly more effective than placebo for up to six hours, but the onset of action of the combination was more rapid than that of zomepirac. The study was notable for the virtual absence of side effects.
