Molecular and cellular response of human trophoblast cells exposed to chlorpyrifos

RIDANO, MAGALÍ; RACCA ANA; GENTI DE RAIMONDI SUSANA; PANZETTA DE DUTARI GRACIELA

Mendoza

Congreso; XLVIII Reunión Anual de la Sociedad Argentina de Investigación en Bioquímica y Biología Molecular; 2012

Saib

Molecular and cellular response of human trophoblast cells exposed to chlorpyrifos Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the most widely used pesticides. Several reports suggest that prenatal exposure leads to cognitive impairments and increased risk of pregnancy disorders. Although placental function and differentiation is intimately related to fetla health, information on CPF´s effect on placenta is still scarce. Previously, we reported that CPF increased the expression of the ABCG2 efflux transporter and beta-hCG subunit in JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cell line. Herein, we assessed primary human cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) response to to CPF exposure. CTBs purified from normal term placentas were exposed to 0-100 uM CPF during 22 or 64 h. Under control conditions, CTBs do not proliferate but differentiate and fuse forming syncytium-like structures. In the presence of CPF, no morphological signs of cell damage or impairment of synsytialization were detected, while mitochondrial metabolic rate, measured using MTT, was augmented. qRT-PCR revealed an early (22h) increase in beta-hCG and p-glycoprotein efflux transporter and a late (64h) increase in ABCG2 expression in CPF-transporter and a late (64h) increase in ABCG2 expression in CPF-treated CTBs. Instead, mRNA level of the PSG3 differentiation marker and KLF6 transcription factor remained unmodified at the time points assayed. These results suggest that villous trophoblasts may activate protection mechanisms in order to preserve placental function.