Immunohistochemical localization of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) in first trimester human placental decidua.
BACKGROUND
Matrix metalloproteinases have been shown to play an important role both in the invasive growth of malignant tumors and in human placentation. However, unlike tumor cell invasion, cytotrophoblast invasion is strictly controlled in its extent. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) may play an important role in the modulation of cytotrophoblast growth into maternal tissue.


METHODS
We have undertaken an immunohistochemical study of the distribution of TIMP-2 in the decidua of first trimester human pregnancy.


RESULTS
Moderate to strong staining for TIMP-2 was found in decidual stromal cells and the walls of blood vessels in all cases. No unequivocal staining of decidual leukocytes was seen.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that TIMP-2 secretion in first trimester human decidua is confined to certain cell populations. Decidual stromal cells are probably an important source of TIMP and may contribute to the regulation of human cytotrophoblast invasion in vivo.
Marzusch
K
K
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tuebingen, Germany.
Ruck
P
P
Dietl
J A
JA
Horny
H P
HP
Kaiserling
E
E
D003656:Decidua / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000737:chemistry; D004848:Epithelium / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000737:chemistry; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000032:analysis*; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000737:chemistry; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2
D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D011506:Proteins; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2