Abundant expression of platelet-derived growth factor in spiral arteries in decidua associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension and its relevance to atherosis

Objective: To elucidate the role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) i n the pathophysiology of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PM) in which the s piral arteries of the decidua demonstrate the atherosclerotic change. Design and Methods: We determined serum levels of PDGF and PDGF expression in the decidua as well as serum levels of 17 beta -estradiol (E2) and proge sterone (P4) both in normotensive cases and in PIH cases. Furthermore, we i nvestigated whether sex steroid hormones could interact with PDGF in cultur ed vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) by immunohistochemical staining for p roliferating cell nuclear antigen. Results: Serum PDGF levels were higher (P < 0.01) but serum E2 levels were lower (P < 0.01) in PIH cases compared with normotensive cases. There was n o statistically significant difference between serum P4 levels in PIH cases and those in normotensive cases. Immunohistochemical staining for PDGF in SMC of spiral arteries was more pr ominent in PIH cases than in normotensive cases. The proliferative potentia l of cultured SMC was stimulated by PDGE but inhibited by concomitant treat ment with PDGF and E2. Conclusions: PDGF is suggested to play an important role in the pathophysio logy of PM through its stimulatory effect on vascular SMC proliferation whi ch may elicit the atherosclerotic change in the spiral arteries of the plac enta.