title: Localization of alpha-interferon in the human feto-placental unit.
abstract: The distribution of alpha-interferon in human placental tissue was investigated by immunocytochemical study of paraffin wax-embedded tissue sections using a sheep alpha-interferon antiserum. Fifty-eight placentas of gestational ages from 8 to 40 weeks were examined. alpha-Interferon was present in the syncytiotrophoblast of the chorionic villi of all placentas and was also in macrophages in 28 cases. The appearances suggest production of interferon in human placental trophoblast and, in view of its diverse biological effects, support the concept of a role for alpha-interferon in the complex series of events required for successful gestation.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Pathology, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow.
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Howatson
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Farquharson
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Meager
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: McNicol
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Foulis
mesh_terms: D002824:Chorionic Villi / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000032:analysis*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000032:analysis; D010920:Placenta / Q000032:analysis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I