Contractile proteins in human fetoplacental vessels
Article Abstract:
Blood vessels in the placenta and umbilical cord contain several different forms of contractile proteins that are necessary for regulating blood flow. Researchers isolated contractile proteins from the smooth muscle in blood vessels in the umbilical cord and placenta. Actin and myosin were the major proteins in umbilical and placental blood vessels, but they were present as different isoforms. Actin appeared to have three different isoforms, while tropomyosin was present in two isoforms. Some actin isoforms were more prominent in umbilical blood vessels than in placental blood vessels, and the same was true for the tropomyosin isoforms. Most of these isoforms are also found in other adult smooth muscles, indicating that the blood vessels in the placenta and umbilical cord are highly differentiated in the later stages of pregnancy. These proteins are important in regulating blood vessel function, since placental blood vessels are not innervated.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
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Serum from women with preeclampsia partially corrects the abnormal in vitro prostacyclin secretion of preeclamptic villous cytotrophoblasts but not that of prostaglandin E2 or endothelin-1
Article Abstract:
Substances that dilate and constrict blood vessels may be involved in the high blood pressure of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a toxic complication of pregnancy. Researchers evaluated the effects of blood serum from women with normal pregnancies and women with preeclampsia on preeclamptic placenta cells. Serum from a normal pregnancy caused decreased secretion of prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2 and greater secretion of endothelin-1 in preeclamptic placental cells. Serum from a preeclamptic pregnancy partially corrected the abnormal secretion of prostacyclin by preeclamptic cells.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1997
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Higher endothelin concentrations in the fetoplacental unit of pregnant women of African ancestry
Article Abstract:
Elevated endothelin concentrations in the umbilical cord blood of women of African ancestry may increase their risk of preeclampsia, a toxic hypertensive crisis in pregnancy. Researchers compared endothelin levels in blood and fluid samples from 17 black and 20 white pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean delivery. Endothelin concentrations were significantly higher in umbilical vein and artery blood samples of black women. Endothelin has been implicated as a possible cardiovascular disease risk factor in black men, and may influence blood pressure in pregnant black women.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1998
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