Prostaglandin E2 synthase in syncytiotrophoblastic vesicles found in the placental intervillous space.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to confirm microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase (mPGES) in the vesicles found in the intervillous space.


METHODS
Immunohistochemical staining for mPGES was conducted to confirm this enzyme in vesicles by using fresh sections of mature placentas.


RESULTS
Staining for mPGES was prominent in vesicles separating from syncytiotrophoblast into the intervillous space. Syncytiotrophoblast was partly positive or negative for mPGES. Vesicles showed a tendency to degenerate with a weakly positive or negative reaction for mPGES. Extravillous cytotrophoblast was strongly positive for mPGES in the basal plate.


CONCLUSIONS
The vesicles containing mPGES suggest the formation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This enzyme could be concentrated in vesicles by a different secretory mechanism.
Fujikura
Toshio
T
Department of Pathology, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. tofu@bea.hi-ho.ne.jp
Mukai
Makio
M
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002824:Chorionic Villi / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D019746:Intramolecular Oxidoreductases / Q000378:metabolism*; D010920:Placenta / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D000071876:Prostaglandin-E Synthases; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology
D019746:Intramolecular Oxidoreductases; D000071876:Prostaglandin-E Synthases