11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression in first trimester human trophoblasts.
This study evaluated the levels and the enzymatic characteristics of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity (11beta-HSD) of chorionic villi isolated from first trimester human placenta. The results demonstrated a predominant expression of the NAD-dependent dehydrogenase isoform (11beta-HSD2) over the NADP-dependent oxoreductase (11beta-HSD1). Thus, in tissue homogenates exogenous NAD increased the conversion of corticosterone to 11-dehydrocorticosterone of about 14-fold while NADP was ineffective. There was no conversion of 11-dehydrocorticosterone to corticosterone either with NADH or NADPH demonstrating the lack of reductase activity. In keeping with these results, RT-PCR analysis indicated a mRNA for 11beta-HSD2 in villous tissue while 11beta-HSD1 mRNA levels were undetectable. In addition, immunohistochemical staining localized the 11beta-HSD2 protein to syncytiotrophoblasts and cell columns of the chorionic villi. These results suggest roles for the trophoblast-associated 11beta-HSD2 oxidative activity in modulating the exposure of the embryo to active glucocorticoids in the early gestation and in regulating trophoblasts invasion of the uterine wall.
Institute of Pathological Anatomy and Histology, University of Siena, Italy.
F
F
Arcuri
S
S
Sestini
L
L
Paulesu
L
L
Bracci
A
A
Carducci
F
F
Manzoni
C
C
Cardone
M
M
Cintorino
D042842:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002824:Chorionic Villi / Q000201:enzymology; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006913:Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009243:NAD / Q000378:metabolism; D009249:NADP / Q000378:metabolism; D009928:Organ Specificity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000201:enzymology*
D007527:Isoenzymes; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D009243:NAD; D009249:NADP; D006913:Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D042842:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D003345:Corticosterone