Conclusion
Laeverin is expressed in all trophoblast cell types of normal and preeclamptic placentas. Expression pattern of laeverin in trophoblast cells is heterogeneous and not necessarily membrane-bound.
Material and methods
Tissue microarray analysis of 72 placentas, obtained from 33 preeclamptic and 39 uncomplicated pregnancies, was performed. Laeverin was labeled with a specific antibody for immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence studies.
Methods
Tissue microarray analysis of 72 placentas, obtained from 33 preeclamptic and 39 uncomplicated pregnancies, was performed. Laeverin was labeled with a specific antibody for immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence studies.
Results
Immunohistochemistry showed that laeverin was expressed in syncytiotrophoblasts, cytotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblasts in all placentas examined. In preeclamptic placentas (n = 33) compared with normal placentas (n = 39), laeverin was expressed in the cell membrane in 21 (64%) vs. 21 (54%) samples (p = 0.726), in the cytoplasm in 3 (9%) vs. 2 (5%) samples (p = 0.795) and in both the cytoplasm and membrane in 9 (27%) vs. 16 (41%) samples (p = 0.0522). All placental samples that showed cytoplasmic expression of laeverin were obtained from women who delivered before 34 weeks of gestation (early-onset preeclampsia). Further, immunofluorescence studies showed laeverin expression in the cytoplasm of six preeclamptic (three early-onset and three late-onset) and one normal placenta but did not reveal any simultaneous cell membrane and cytoplasmic expression of laeverin.