title: Localization of alpha(2)-macroglobulin receptor/low-density lipoprotein receptor in third-trimester human placentas: a preliminary immunohistochemical study.
abstract: The alpha(2)-macroglobulin receptor/low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (alpha(2)-M-R/LRP) is involved in a variety of transcellular transportations, e.g. of apolipoprotein E, and represents an inhibitor of proteinases. After creation of monoclonal antibodies of the alpha- and beta-subunits of the alpha(2)-M-R/LRP and its receptor-associated protein, we have tested their distribution in five 3rd-trimester placentas, using cryosections, immunohistochemically and by immunofluorescence. All three monoclonal antibodies showed positive staining in villous and extravillous cytotrophoblasts and intravillous vessels, but not in syncytiotrophoblasts. Thus, alpha(2)-M-R/LRP plays a possible role in the transplacental nutritional transportation process. It is necessary to search the distribution of alpha(2)-M-R/LRP under pathological conditions, like fetal growth retardation and preeclampsia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Fischer
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Birkenmeier
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Horn
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D026503:Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1 / Q000032:analysis*; D010920:Placenta / Q000166:cytology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011973:Receptors, LDL / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D026503:Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1; D011973:Receptors, LDL