The efficacy of the placental biopsy

Article Abstract:

Biopsies of placental tissue may detect abnormalities almost as well as inspection of the whole placenta. Future development of placental biopsies that could be performed during pregnancy may give doctors better information for making treatment decisions. Researchers compared the diagnostic sensitivity of biopsies to that of complete examinations on 200 delivered placentas. Biopsies were performed with a 16-gauge biopsy needle. Placental biopsies detected syncytial knots, indicating placental stress, maturation of the placenta in terms of villous growth and size, and excess fluid. Syncytial knots and excess fluid may be important findings, as they may be related to a lack of oxygen to the fetus. Biopsies also detected fibrin calcification, which may restrict blood flow, and indications of viral infection.

Methods, Medical examination, Placenta, Prenatal diagnosis, Biopsy

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Monoclonal antibody X18A4 identifies an oncofetal fibronectin epitope distinct from the FDC-6 binding site

Article Abstract:

Certain antibodies to oncofetal fibronectin may be used to identify pregnant women at risk of going into labor or delivering an infant prematurely. Oncofetal fibronectin is a substance that may be released in abnormal situations leading to premature labor and delivery. The monoclonal antibody FDC-6 is known to bind to a particular place in oncofetal fibronectin. Researchers analyzed placentas delivered from normal pregnancies for the presence of other monoclonal antibodies that react to oncofetal fibronectin. The antibody X18A4 was identified as binding strongly to fibronectin, as does FDC-6. The two antibodies bind to two different locations within the oncofetal fibronectin, however. X18A4 may better identify oncofetal fibronectin than does FDC-6.

Analysis, Prognosis, Premature labor

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Fibronectinase activity in cultured human trophoblasts is mediated by urokinase-type plasminogen activator

Article Abstract:

The breakdown of the protein fibronectin in placentas may be induced by a urokinase-type plasminogen activator that is produced by trophoblast cells. Fibronectin is thought to have an adhesive function on cells in fetal membranes, and breakdown of fibronectin may lead to rupture of membranes before delivery. Trophoblast cells are developmental precursors of the placenta. Inner-layer trophoblast cells from term placentas were analyzed and found to produce urokinase. Further, urokinase may be the main enzyme responsible for breaking down fetal fibronectin.

Physiological aspects, Trophoblast, Trophoblasts, Plasminogen activators, Fibrinolytic agents

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