A mosaic cell layer in human pregnancy.
We present evidence for a novel histological and embryological relationship at the human materno-fetal interface. Here an epi- endo- thelium forms an integrated unicellular layer lining the intervillus space in between the anchoring villi that attach the placenta to the uterus. This layer appears to be derived from two different germ layers (mesoderm and ectoderm). The data presented here reveals that when a probe for the Y-chromosome is used to test the gender of placental cells following the birth of male or female babies, the cell-sheet is a genetic mosaic derived from two individuals (mother and baby). The endothelium is maternally derived; the epithelium is fetal derived. This new allo- epi- endothelium model is relevant to theories of germ layer separation in development, reproductive immunology and the endocrinology of implantation and placentation. It demonstrates cooperative intercellular interactions that are fundamental to achieving a major goal of human interstitial implantation the establishment of a blood sinus for haematotrophic nutrition. Poor implantation is a fundamental cause of pregnancy pathology and this knowledge will be useful in development of our understanding of pregnancy diseases.
Laboratory for Developmental Cell Sciences, Department of Infection Immunity and Inflammation, School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of Leicester Medical School, University Road, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK.
S
S
Byrne
E
E
Challis
J L R
JL
Williams
J H
JH
Pringle
J M
JM
Hennessy
C D
CD
Ockleford
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D041322:Chromosomes, Human, Y / Q000235:genetics*; D015342:DNA Probes / Q000378:metabolism; D004727:Endothelium / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005855:Germ Layers / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000502:physiology*; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy
D015415:Biomarkers; D015342:DNA Probes