EFFECTS OF PLACENTAL FACTORS UPON DEVELOPMENT OF TUBULAR STRUCTURES BY ENDOTHELIAL CELLS IN PRESENCE OF TROPHOBLASTIC CELLS

Abstract

Trophoblast cells actively interact with endothelial cells participating in the process of vasculogenesis in the uterus/placenta contact area and remodeling of uterine spiral arteries. Cytokine production by the placental cells is subject to gradual changes from the 1st to 3rd trimester of physiological pregnancy. It is also changed in cases of obstetric disorders, e.g., in pre-eclampsia. At present time, there are lacking data on effects of cytokines and placenta-derived factors upon local interactions between endothelium and trophoblast cells. Hence, the aim of our study was to assess the influence of placental factors upon formation of tube-like structures by endothelial cells in presence of trophoblastic cells. We performed co-cultures of Ea.Hy926 endothelial cell line and Jeg-3 trophoblastic cells in a 3-D collagen matrix («Matrigel», BD, USA) with secretable factors from placentas of healthy pregnant women at 9-11 weeks of gestation (n = 15), healthy pregnant women at 38-39 weeks of gestation (n = 15), or the women with preeclampsia at 38-39 weeks of gestation (n = 14). We have shown that the trophoblastic cells may modify the ability of endothelial cells to form tube-like structures only with placental factors from health pregnant women. In pre-eclampsia condition, the trophoblast cells are not able to correct the behavior of endothelial cells, and to promote physiological growth of blood vessels.

Keywords

• trophoblast
• endothelium
• angiogenesis
• placenta
• cytokines
• pre-eclampsia