Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I and II are synthesized within the placenta and are believed to play an important role in the regulation of placental growth and endocrine function. IGF bioavailability is determined at a cellular level by several specific binding proteins (IGF BPs), which are widely but selectively distributed in all developing tissues. We have used immunohistochemistry to localize IGF I and II peptides, and IGF BP-1, -2, and -3 in human placentae, fetal membranes and umbilical cord at 6-8 weeks after therapeutic termination and at term after spontaneous delivery. Primary antisera were directed against human IGF I, human IGF BP-1, bovine IGF BP-2, and human IGF BP-3 respectively. Immunoreactive IGF BP-2 was found in association with the syncytiotrophoblast, intermediate trophoblasts of the fetal villi and chorion, amnion and decidua; while weaker staining was seen in some but not all cytotrophoblasts. A similar but less intense staining pattern was observed for IGF BP-1 and IGF peptides in placenta and amnio-chorion. Strong immuno-staining for IGF BP-1 was seen in decidual cells. No immunoreactive IGF BP-3 was found in placenta or membranes. A co-distribution of IGF BP-2, BP-1 and IGF peptides in placenta suggests a role for these IGF BPs in determining the localization of the IGFs for actions on target tissues.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-12 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Placenta |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - Jan 1993 |