Enhanced expression of Fas-associated proteins in decidual and trophoblastic tissues in pregnancy-induced hypertension

PROBLEM: To determine if fete-placental tissues from gestations complicated by pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) have altered expression of Fas-ass ociated proteins. METHOD OF STUDY: The expression of several Fas-related proteins was determi ned in fetal membranes, decidua, and placentas obtained from PIH-affected ( n = 12, age range 32-36 weeks) and normal (n=6, age range 37-41 weeks) gest ations. Paraffin-embedded tissue sections were stained with specific monocl onal antibodies to Fas, Fas ligand (FasL), caspase-3, and bax. RESULTS: We observed greater expression of Fas and FasL in amnion and decid ua from PIH-affected gestations than in normal controls. Intense staining w as observed only in the perivascular endothelium (caspase-3) and in decidua l cells (bax) from PIH gestations. CONCLUSION: Differential expression of Fas-related proteins in fetal membra nes, decidua, and placentas from PIH-affected gestations is consistent with increased apoptosis, and suggests activation of the Fas/FasL pathway in a tissue-specific manner.