Relevance of endogenous VIP at the early maternal-placental interface: Functional profile of trophoblast giant cells from normal and VIP-deficient mice

HAUK V; GRASSO E; GALLINO L; CALO G; RAMHORST R; WASCHEK J; PEREZ LEIROS C

Congreso; VI SLIMP V LASRI Meeting Maternal-Fetal Interaction; 2015

Introduction: The constitution of the maternal-placental interface is characterized by functional changes of trophoblast cells that acquire an invasive phenotype under strict tissue homeostasis maintenance. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) activates VPAC1/VPAC2 receptors with smooth muscle relaxing, immunomodulatory and trophic effects and we have reported on its role at the early maternal-placental interface to favor a suitable immune profile for placentation and fetal growth. Objectives: To explore the relevance of endogenous VIP at the early maternal-placental interface and its impact on the local expression of trophoblast functional markers and IL-10. Methods: Pregnant C57BL/6 WT, VIP+/- or VIP-/- mated to males of the different genotypes were analyzed for macroscopic pregnancy parameters. Implantation sites excised at day 8,5 were analyzed by RTqPCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry or processed for laser capture microdissection (LCM). Trophoblast giant cells (TGC) isolated by LCM were analyzed for VIP/VPAC, MMP9, VEGF among other TGC marker expression by RTqPCR.Results: C57BL/6 VIP+/- mothers presented reduced litter size compared with WT mothers (WTxWT: 8,3±0,5; VIP(+/-)x(+/-): 5,8±0,8; P