Immunocytochemical localization of a caveolin-1 isoform in human term extra-embryonic membranes using confocal laser scanning microscopy: implications for the complexity of the materno-fetal junction.

This immunochemical, immunocytochemical, histological and ultrastructural study demonstrates the presence of caveolin 1 in a number of locations in term human extra-embryonic membranes. Strong expression was observed in fetal blood vessel endothelial cells of chorionic villi (cv) and in cv, amniotic and chorionic plate mesenchymal cells, but weak expression was characteristic of trophoblast. Expression in the amniotic epithelium indicated a stronger association with apical as opposed to baso-lateral membranes. Strong immunoreactivity in the thin lining layer of the maternal blood space of the basal plate was a surprising finding. Previously defined as trophoblast, we argue that this is at least partly endothelium based on this new histological, ultrastructural and immunocytochemical data. Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.