Urocortin 2 and urocortin 3 are expressed by the human placenta, deciduas, and fetal membranes

Urocortin 2 (UCN2) and urocortin 3 (UCN 3) are recently identified neuropeptides showing homology to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). In the present study, we evaluated their expression and localization in gestational tissues (placenta, decidua, fetal membranes), and their effect on placental a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 2006-07, Vol.195 (1), p.288-295
Main Authors: Imperatore, Alberto, Florio, Pasquale, Torres, Paulo B., Torricelli, Michela, Galleri, Letizia, Toti, Paolo, Occhini, Rossella, Picciolini, Enrico, Vale, Wylie, Petraglia, Felice
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone - metabolism
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone - secretion
Biological and medical sciences
Chorionic Villi - metabolism
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone - biosynthesis
Decidua - metabolism
Endothelium, Vascular - metabolism
Extraembryonic Membranes - metabolism
Female
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
Medical sciences
Neuropeptides
Placenta - metabolism
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Trimester, First
Pregnancy Trimester, Second
RNA, Messenger - metabolism
Trophoblast
Trophoblasts - metabolism
Urocortin 2
Urocortin 3
Urocortins
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Summary:Urocortin 2 (UCN2) and urocortin 3 (UCN 3) are recently identified neuropeptides showing homology to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). In the present study, we evaluated their expression and localization in gestational tissues (placenta, decidua, fetal membranes), and their effect on placental adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion. The study was performed in a tertiary clinical care center. Tissues were obtained at first (n = 8; 8-11 weeks of pregnancy) and third (n = 8; 38-40 gestational weeks) trimester. The mRNA expression was evaluated by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); the cellular localization by immunohistochemistry; ACTH levels were measured in media collected from cultured placental villi. All tissues analyzed expressed UCN2 and UCN3 mRNA. UCN2 and UCN3 were localized in cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cells; UCN2 was present in maternal and fetal vessels and in amniotic cells, while UCN3 was absent. Finally, UCN2 and UCN3 did not stimulate ACTH secretion. Gestational tissues differentially express UCN2 and UCN3 and, despite their homology to CRF, they did not stimulate placental ACTH secretion.
ISSN:0002-9378
1097-6868
DOI:10.1016/j.ajog.2005.12.048