Expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the invasive trophoblasts at the human placental bed

Placenta. 2008 May;29(5):391-5. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.02.001. Epub 2008 Mar 21.

Abstract

Background: Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAP kinases) participate in signal transduction pathways that control embryogenesis, cell differentiation, cell proliferation and cell death. The roles of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAP kinase in the differentiation and invasion of human trophoblasts have been studied. However, the in vivo expression and activation of ERK1/2 and p38 at the placental bed have not been elucidated.

Methods: The study group consisted of placental bed biopsy tissues obtained from the pregnancies without preeclampsia (n=24) and with preeclampsia (n=8) between 31 and 40 weeks of gestation. We evaluated the expressions and phosphorylations of ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase in the invasive trophoblasts in the placental bed tissues using immunohistochemistry.

Results: p38 and phospho-p38 MAP kinase were not detected in invasive trophoblasts in cases or controls. ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 were positive in invasive trophoblasts albeit with variable staining. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was significantly less frequent in invasive trophoblasts in placental bed biopsies from women with preeclampsia compared with normotensive controls.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that preeclampsia is associated with decreased activation of ERK1/2 in invasive trophoblasts in vivo.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cell Adhesion*
  • Cell Movement*
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / metabolism*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Placenta / enzymology
  • Placenta / metabolism
  • Placenta / physiology*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy
  • Trophoblasts / enzymology
  • Trophoblasts / metabolism
  • Trophoblasts / physiology*
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases