[Expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer during normal pregnancy].

Objective: To study the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) during normal pregnancy.

Methods: The expression of EMMPRIN was studied with immunohistochemistry in normal pregnancy.

Results: The expression of EMMPRIN was obvious, and appeared mainly on membrane of cytotrophoblast, syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblast column of the villi of gestational weeks 6 to 9, mid-term and term placenta and extravillous cytotrophoblast of deciduas of mid-term and term placenta. The expression reached a peak level at gestational week 6 and gradually decreased from week 7 and stabilized to a low level at mid-term and term placenta when the expression of extravillous cytotrophoblast of deciduas was increased.

Conclusion: EMMPRIN may be an important factor for implantation during early pregnancy and participate in maintaining gestation during mid-term and term pregnancy.