title: Acid phosphatase and cathepsin D are active expressed enzymes in the placenta of the cat.
abstract: Enzymes are crucial for the metabolism of macromolecular substrates. In the great majority of cells, most enzymes are constitutive. Nevertheless, inducible enzymes can predominate, determining specialized cell functions. Within this context, histochemistry/immunohistochemistry and biochemistry were used to investigate expression of peroxidase and reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase, as well as the expression and activity of cathepsin D and acid phosphatase, in trophoblast cells within the endotheliochorial labyrinth and marginal hematoma of the term cat placenta. In the marginal hematoma, elevated Cathepsin D expression and activity was accompanied by erythrophagocytosis. In contrast, acid phosphatase activity was much more intense in the labyrinth, where metabolic exchanges occur. Peroxidase and NAD(P)H-oxidase were predominantly active in trophoblast cells within endosomal vesicles of different placental compartments, indicating that, although reactive oxygen species might participate in endosomal/lysosomal processes, they are not territorially specific or functional markers. These findings highlight differential characteristics of cathepsin D and acid phosphatase activity within each placental compartment, thereby contributing to the comprehension of the territorial role played by the placenta and facilitating future metabolic studies.
authors: Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1524, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: C K
authors: CK
authors: Minazaki
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Gagioti
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Zago
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Terra
authors: V C
authors: VC
authors: Araujo
authors: R A
authors: RA
authors: Oliveira
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Bevilacqua
mesh_terms: D000135:Acid Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002402:Cathepsin D / Q000378:metabolism*; D002415:Cats; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010920:Placenta / Q000201:enzymology*; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D000135:Acid Phosphatase; D002402:Cathepsin D