[Localization of ferritin in placental villous tissue and its role in the maternal-fetal iron transport].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the localization and quantity of ferritin in placental villous tissue and its implications.


METHODS
The localization of ferritin in placental villous tissue at different gestation period was assayed by immunocytochemistry. The quantity of ferritin in placental villous tissue was determined with radioimmunoassay.


RESULTS
Ferritin was localized in all layers of the trophoblast, especially in the surface of the syncytiotrophoblast and basal membrane. The quantity of ferritin in placental villous tissue was increased with gestation progress and decreased in pregnant women with IDA.


CONCLUSIONS
Ferritin may be the important carrier of transplacental iron transport, and its receptor plays a crucial role in the course. The placental iron transport varied with gestation progress and iron nutritional status of the mother.
Kong
P
P
Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, West China University of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610041.
Liao
Q
Q
Luo
C
C
Yang
X
X
Li
F
F
Fu
R
R
Yang
X
X
D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D002824:Chorionic Villi / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism*; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D021381:Protein Transport
D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron