Human Placental Tissue Contains A Placental Lactogen-Derived Vasoinhibin.

Hormonal factors affecting the vascular adaptions of the uteroplacental unit in noncomplicated and complicated pregnancies are of interest. Here, 4 human placentas from women with and without preeclampsia (PE) were investigated for the presence of placental lactogen (PL)-derived, antiangiogenic vasoinhibin. Western blotting and mass spectrometry of placental tissue revealed the presence of a 9-kDa PL-derived vasoinhibin, the normal 22-kDa full-length PL, and a 28-kDa immunoreactive protein of undetermined nature.

A Dysregulation of the Prolactin/Vasoinhibin Axis Appears to Contribute to Preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder affecting 3-5% of all pregnancies. The only curative treatment is delivery of the placenta and the pathophysiology is poorly understood. Studies have demonstrated altered levels of antiangiogenic factors in patients with preeclampsia.