MATERNAL DIABETES ALTERS EXTRACELLULAR-MATRIX PROTEIN-LEVELS IN RAT PLACENTAS

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether maternal di abetes affects placental levels of the extracellular matrix components fibronectin, laminin, and collagen-IV. STUDY DESIGN: Fibronectin, lam inin, and collagen-IV deposition in term (day 20) rat placentas from n ormal and diabetic pregnancies was detected by use of Western blot, sl ot-blot, and immunohistochemical studies. RESULTS: Increased placental and decreased fetal wet weight were found in offspring of manifestly diabetic rats compared with offspring of normal pregnancies. Laminin d eposition was reduced whereas fibronectin levels were increased in pla centas from diabetic rats. No diabetes-induced changes of collagen-IV expression and deposition were found. CONCLUSION: The diabetes-induced alterations of laminin and fibronectin protein levels in the fetal-ma ternal interface may affect placental development and alter gas exchan ge and nutrient transfer to the offspring. This may in turn contribute to the abnormal fetal development in diabetic pregnancy.