The parasite Trypanosoma cruzi alters the trophoblast (regeneration of syncytiotrophoblast) in human term placenta in Vitro

DÍAZ LUJÁN C; TRIQUELL MF; REPOSSI G; QUIROGA P; PETS E; BOLATTI E; FRETES R

Memorias de Ciencia y Tecnología

Eudelar

Lugar: La Rioja; Año: 2008; p. 295 - 306

Because placental chorionic villi may act as a barrier to the causal agent of Chagas disease, the effect of Trypanosoma cruzi on the trophoblast turnover were analyzed in chorionic villi denuded of their syncytiotrophoblast (STB). Three chorionic villi explants (30 mg) from placentas at term were denuded of STB with trypsin. Explants were co-cultured with trypomastigotes of Tulahuen and Lucky (isolated of congenital Chagas disease) strains for 72h. Explants were processed for structural studies and immunohistochemistry for Nitric Oxide Synthase III (eNOS), Alkaline Phosphatase (PLAP) and E-cadherin. Proliferation of cytotrophoblast (CTB) was measured (Axiovision 3.0.6), and the concentration of hCG (mlU/ml), PLAP activity. In the denuded explants the Lucky strain showed less percentage of the CTB (0.28%) and a diminished level of hCG (309±26.87) than Tulahuen. Lucky culture media showed higher level of PLAP activity, 3.3±0.49, than Tulahuen ones, , 0.27±0.09. CTB proliferation was affected by T. Cruzi, and this effect was more pronounced by the congenital strain. These data, together with the decreased hCG levels and dysfunction of STB, suggest that the trophoblast turnover is altered by the parasite and that this process may account for the congenital transmission and the low birth weight associated to congenital Chagas disease