Abstract
Objectives: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important vascular mitogens, while the angiotensin receptor Tie-2 binds to the angiopoietin and stabilizes newly formed vessels. We therefore wanted to localize VEGF and its receptors VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2 and the Tie-2 receptor during gestation in the placenta of the Tayassu tajacu (collared peccary) to compare with other epitheliochorial placentae.
Methods: Tissues from 10 placentae (first, middle and late gestation), obtained from CEMAS, Brazil, were collected in 10% buffered formalin and processed by routine methods for immunhistochemistry using polyclonal antibodies against VEGF, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and Tie-2.
Results: In the present study the VEGF-system exhibited intense staining in the uterine epithelium, uterine glandular epithelium and trophoblast. The endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells of the vessels in the maternal and fetal compartment were also immunoreactive. Placentae from initial phase of gestation showed weaker staining when compared to middle and late gestation. In late gestation of the tayassu the Tie-2 was co-localized with the VEGF-system in both maternal (intense staining in glandular and uterine epithelium) and fetal tissues. These results are similar to that described in swine and bovine placentae suggesting a similar physiological role between these 2 major angiogenic families, VEGF and angiopoietins.
Conclusion: The VEGF system plays an import role in vascularization of tayassu placenta from the beginning to the end of gestation and Tie-2 is needed to stabilize blood vessels also in late gestation.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication date | 2006 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2006 |
| Event | IFPA 2006 - Duration: 29 Nov 2010 → … |
Conference
| Conference | IFPA 2006 |
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| Period | 29/11/2010 → … |