Somatostatin as a Regulator of First-Trimester Human Trophoblast Functions

• Published in: Placenta (Eastbourne) 2008-08, Vol.29 (8), p.660-670
• Main Authors: Biondi, C, Ferretti, M.E, Lunghi, L, Medici, S, Cervellati, F, Abelli, L, Bertoni, F, Adinolfi, E, Vesce, F, Bartolini, G, Papi, A, D'Andrea, S, Berton, S, Baldassarre, G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cell Differentiation - genetics; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic AMP - metabolism; Embryology: invertebrates and vertebrates. Teratology; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Internal Medicine; Migration; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Phospholipase A2; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First - genetics; Pregnancy Trimester, First - metabolism; Pregnancy Trimester, First - physiology; Receptors, Somatostatin - genetics; Receptors, Somatostatin - metabolism; Receptors, Somatostatin - physiology; Somatostatin; Somatostatin - metabolism; Somatostatin - physiology; Trophoblast-derived cell lines; Trophoblasts - metabolism; Trophoblasts - physiology
• ISSN: 0143-4004; 1532-3102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.05.009

Abstract We have tested the hypothesis that human early trophoblast is a target for somatostatin (SRIF) regulatory actions. We report for the first time that SSTR2A and 2B transcripts and proteins are present in first-trimester human chorionic villi and the trophoblast-derived HTR-8/SVneo and JAR cells. In both cell lines, SSTR are functional since SRIF inhibits cyclic AMP pathway, stimulates arachidonic acid release and enhances cell proliferation. Moreover, in HTR-8/SVneo cells, considered a good model of first-trimester EVT, SRIF also enhances migration. An involvement of the cyclic AMP pathway in mediating SRIF effects on proliferation and migration is suggested. Our data support the idea that SRIF regulates early trophoblast functions mainly through an interaction with SSTR2.