Placental leucine aminopeptidase/oxytocinase gene regulation by activator protein-2 in BeWo cell model of human trophoblast differentiation.

Placental leucine aminopeptidase (P-LAP) is located preferentially in syncytiotrophoblasts in human placenta. Here we investigated P-LAP expression and the regulatory mechanisms in BeWo choriocarcinoma cells with forskolin (FSK)-induced differentiation. Morphologically differentiated cells revealed enhanced P-LAP staining.

Increased intracranial blood flow volume in a preeclamptic woman with postpartum photophobia.

Background: Cerebral circulatory changes in preeclampsia are unclear. We studied the changes in intracranial blood flow volume using a new color Doppler ultrasonographic assessment in a preeclamptic woman with photophobia.

Case: A 39-year-old preeclamptic primigravida was admitted and delivered by cesarean at 36 weeks' gestation.

Interleukin-1beta stimulates placental leucine aminopeptidase/oxytocinase expression in BeWo choriocarcinoma cells.

In addition to prostaglandins, inflammatory cytokines induce uterine contraction via oxytocin (OT). Placental leucine aminopeptidase (P-LAP), an oxytocinase that is identical to cystine aminopeptidase, destroys OT activity. Patients with spontaneous preterm delivery have higher concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and lower P-LAP activities than those with normal delivery.