Galectin 13 (PP13) Facilitates Remodeling and Structural Stabilization of Maternal Vessels during Pregnancy.

Galectins regulate cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, signal transduction, mRNA splicing, and interactions with the extracellular matrix. Here we focus on the galectins in the reproductive system, particularly on a group of six galectins that first appears in anthropoid primates in conjunction with the evolution of highly invasive placentation and long gestation. Of these six, placental protein 13 (PP13, galectin 13) interacts with glycoproteins and glycolipids to enable successful pregnancy.

Placental protein 13 (PP13) stimulates rat uterine vessels after slow subcutaneous administration.

Introduction: Reduced concentrations of placental protein 13 (PP13) during the first trimester of human pregnancy are associated with elevated risk for the subsequent development of preeclampsia, which is one of the deadliest obstetrical complications of pregnancy. Previous studies by our group have shown that PP13 lowers blood pressure in pregnant rats, increases the size and weight of pups and placentas, and induces vasodilation of resistance arteries through endothelial signaling pathways involving endothelial nitric oxid synthase and prostaglandin.

Methods: In the present study, the effect of PP13 was investigated in nonpregnant female Sprague Dawley rats (n=27).

Pharmacokinetics of placental protein 13 after intravenous and subcutaneous administration in rabbits.

Introduction: Human placental protein 13 (PP13) is a galectin predominantly expressed by the placenta. Low serum concentrations of PP13 in early pregnancy indicate a higher risk of developing preeclampsia.

Methods: The pharmacokinetic disposition and bioavailability of PP13 were determined by single intravenous and subcutaneous administration to 12 healthy New Zealand White rabbits.

Placental protein 13 (PP13)-induced vasodilation of resistance arteries from pregnant and nonpregnant rats occurs via endothelial-signaling pathways.

Placental protein 13 (PP13) induces hypotension in rats. This study aims to evaluate PP13 effects on isolated uterine arteries from nonpregnant and mid-pregnant rats. Vessels were isolated, cannulated, and pressurized to 50 mmHg within an arteriograph, preconstricted and exposed to increasing PP13 concentrations (10-10 M).