Changes of proteoglycan expression and glycosaminoglycan constituents in the intervillous space of the pregnancy-induced hypertension placenta

Abstract

    The changes in proteoglycan (PG) expression and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) constituents in the intervillous space of the pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) placenta were investigated. PGs and GAGs were purified from the extract of the placental intervillous space by the DEAE-Sephacel column and salt-concentration gradient method, and the GAG sugar chains were released by the actinase and cellulase treatments. The sugar chains from the placentas of normal pregnancy and PIH were compared by cellulose-acetate membrane electrophoresis. No difference was observed in the expressions of hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate, but a clear increase in the expression of dermatan sulfate (DS) in the placenta of the PIH was confirmed. An increase of the DS that specifically activates anticoagulants can be a body reaction to counteract the hemostatic condition observed in PIH.