Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  1999 Sep;42(9):1943-1947.

Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor, Transforming Growth Factor-alphaand Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Human Trophoblast and Decidua

• Kwon DJ
• Yoo SW
• Kim MR
• Chung GW
• Kim JH
• Kim SP

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
We studied the expression of epidermal growh factor(EGF) and transforming growth factor(TGF)-a and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) in human trophoblast and decidua at the first and third trimester.
METHODS
To confirm the expression of EGF, TGF-a and EGFR immunohisochemically in human trophoblast and decidua, we used monoclonal antibodies to EGF, TGF-a and EGFR.
RESULTS
Immunohistochemical stainings using anti-EGF, anti-TGF- a and anti-EGFR antibodies showed a specific stainings in human trophoblast and decidua at the first and third trimester. The staining intensity of EGF in the trophoblast was light to moderate at the first trimester and moderate at the third trimester, and that in the decidua was light to moderate at the first trimester and light at the third trimester. The patterns of expression of TGF- a in the trophoblast and decidua were similar to that seen with EGF in the trophoblast and that of EGFR in trophoblast and decidua were similar to that seen with EGF in decidua.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that EGF, TGF-a and EGFR may play an important role in human trophoblast and decidua during gestation.

Keyword

Trophoblast; Decidua; Epidermal growth factor; Transforming growth factor-a; Epidermal growth factor receptor

MeSH Terms

Antibodies
Antibodies, Monoclonal
Decidua*
Epidermal Growth Factor*
Female
Humans
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Trimester, First
Pregnancy Trimester, Third
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor*
Trophoblasts*
Antibodies
Antibodies, Monoclonal
Epidermal Growth Factor
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor