Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of activin A and follistatin on first-trimester cytotrophoblast invasion in culture and to study the secretion of inhibin A, activin A and follistatin by these cellsin vitro.Design and methods: Cytotrophoblasts were isolated from human placental chorionic villous tissue obtained from 6–8, 8–10 and 10–12 weeks gestation. Cells were cultured for 3 days on cell-culture inserts coated with gelatine for invasion studies and in 24-well culture plates for secretion studies. The effects of activin A (10 ng/ml), follistatin (100 ng/ml), interleukin 1β (IL-1β; 10 ng/ml) and epidermal growth factor (EGF; 10 ng/ml) on cytotrophoblast invasion were investigated using a non-radioactive invasion assay. Secretion of inhibin A, activin A and follistatin in the presence of EGF, IL-1β, activin A and follistatin were measured using in-house ELISAs.Results and conclusion: Activin A, follistatin and EGF had a significant stimulatory effect on cytotrophoblast invasion from 6–10 weeks gestation. IL-1β had a significant stimulatory effect at 8–10 weeks and a significant inhibitory effect on invasion at 10–12 weeks gestation. Follistatin also had a significant inhibitory effect on invasion at 10–12 weeks gestation. In the secretion study, activin A secretion at 8–10 weeks was significantly stimulated by IL-1β and EGF. At 10–12 weeks, follistatin and EGF had a significant inhibitory effect on activin A secretion. Follistatin secretion was significantly increased in the presence of IL-1β at 6–8 weeks gestation. Inhibin A secretion was not significantly altered by EGF, IL-1β, activin A and follistatin. These results show that activin A promotes invasion of first-trimester cytotrophoblasts until 10 weeks gestation. There is a difference in the control of secretion of these proteins dependent on the gestation, suggesting that there is a tight regulation in the function of first-trimester trophoblasts depending on the gestational age.

Original publication

DOI

10.1530/eje.1.01928

Type

Journal article

Journal

European Journal of Endocrinology

Publisher

Bioscientifica

Publication Date

06/2005

Volume

152

Pages

909 - 916