IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL LOCALIZATION OF THIOREDOXIN IN HUMAN TROPHOBLAST AND DECIDUA

An immunocytochemical investigation into the expression of thioredoxin in human reproductive tissues was performed using monoclonal antibodi es produced against recombinant human thioredoxin. First trimester and term human placental villi, decidua and term fetal membranes were exa mined for thioredoxin content and cellular localization. In first trim ester tissue strong thioredoxin staining was observed in the underlyin g cytotrophoblast cells and in the stromal cells present in the decidu a, but not in the syncytiotrophoblast surrounding the chorionic villi. In term placental villi very little thioredoxin was observed. Term fe tal membranes proved to be a rich source of thioredoxin, the most inte nse staining was seen in the cytotrophoblast cells in the chorionic me mbrane, with the amnion and decidua also showing positive immunoreacti vity. The potential role/s that thioredoxin may play within the placen tal bed is considered.