Localization of the Fas-Fas ligand system in human fetal membranes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if fetal membranes might be one of the sources of Fas and Fas ligand in amniotic fluid.


METHODS
Human fetal membranes from elective cesarean section (n = 6) were fixed in paraformaldehyde. Rolls of paraffinembedded fetal membranes were cut into 5-micron sections. After blocking with horse and goat sera, sections were incubated overnight with primary antibodies followed by the appropriate secondary antibodies. Avidin-biotin complex and diaminobenzidine were used for immunoperoxidase localization. Expression of Fas and Fas ligand was read by light microscopy.


RESULTS
Both Fas and Fas ligand were localized in amnion, chorion and decidual layers. In amnion, Fas and Fas ligand were expressed predominantly in epithelial cells and fibroblasts, while there was no immunostaining in the subepithelial compact connective tissue. In the chorion, the expression was mainly in the chorionic trophoblast, with inconsistent expression in the reticular layer. In the decidua, the expression of Fas and Fas ligand was less prominent than in amnion and chorion.


CONCLUSIONS
Localization of Fas and Fas ligand in human fetal membranes suggests that fetal membranes could be one of the sources of soluble Fas and Fas ligand in amniotic fluid.
Harirah
Hassan M
HM
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0587, USA. hmharira@utmb.edu
Donia
Sahar E
SE
Parkash
Vanita
V
Jones
David C
DC
Hsu
Chaur-Dong
CD
D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000276:immunology; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology; D019014:fas Receptor / Q000032:analysis*
C505661:FASLG protein, human; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D019014:fas Receptor