Abstract
Background: Alpha-Tocopherol Transfer Protein (a-TTP) is a 30kDa cytosolic protein first described to be present in the liver and is important for alpha-tocopherol trafficking. Expression of a-TTP has been described in animal model liver as well as diverse other tissues such as rat brain and pregnant mouse uterus, the latter finding stressing the importance of a-TTP for embryogenesis and foetal development. In mouse placenta, though, a-TTP is not present, while in pregnant mouse uterus, a-TTP is seen in intrauterine endometrial columnar and glandular cells immunohistochemically, with a peak in Northern blot mRNA analysis on day 4 of mouse pregnancy.
Aim: Determination if a-TTP is expressed in first-trimester and/or term human placenta. Methods: Preparation of human a-TTP-specific rat monoclonal antibodies and rabbit polyclonal antibodies, followed by immunohistochemical staining of first-trimester and term human placenta.
Results: a-TTP could be localized immunohistochemically in villous trophoblast (syncytiotrophoblast) as well as in extravillous trophoblast and decidual cells in first-trimester and term placentas.
Conclusions: a-TTP is required for adequate alpha-tocopherol equilibrium not only prior to delivery, but also most likely throughout pregnancy. Alpha-tocopherol as the major ligand of a-TTP is delivered to the foetus via a-TTP and serves as an eminent substrate for maintenance of pregnancy as well as foetal development in humans.
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Rotzoll, D., Arai, H. & Linderkamp, O. 313 Alpha-Tocopherol Transfer Protein is Expressed in First-Trimester and Term Human Placenta. Pediatr Res 58, 408 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200508000-00342
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200508000-00342