The immunolocalization of Bcl-2 in human term placenta.
OBJECTIVE
To study the immunolocalization of the Bcl-2 protein in formalin-fixed placental tissue collected from uncomplicated term pregnancies.


METHODS
A total of 19 human term placentas of 38-41 weeks' gestation, 11 obtained from spontaneous deliveries and eight from elective caesarean sections prior to labour were included. Sections were incubated with an antibody to the Bcl-2 protein and light microscopy was used to evaluate Bcl-2 staining.


RESULTS
The anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein was expressed diffusely throughout the cytoplasm of the syncytiotrophoblast with much less intensive staining in cytotrophoblast and mesenchymal cells. Bcl-2 expression was reduced or lost in areas of syncytial sprouts. No differences in Bcl-2 staining were observed between placentas obtained after spontaneous deliveries and those collected before the onset of labour after elective caesarean section.


CONCLUSIONS
Expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein in human term placenta does not seem to be influenced by parturition. Additionally, Bcl-2 expression might be an important factor in the regulation of apoptosis in the human trophoblast and thus in maintaining placental function during gestation.
Axt-Fliedner
R
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of the Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
Friedrich
M
M
Kordina
A
A
Wasemann
C
C
Mink
D
D
Reitnauer
K
K
Schmidt
W
W
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000378:metabolism*
D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2