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Immunohistochemical staining of IGF-I, IGF-binding proteins-1 and -3, and transforming growth factor beta-3 in the umbilical cords of preeclamptic patients.
BACKGROUND: To detect the immunoreactivity of insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins-1 and -3 and transforming growth factor beta-3 in the umbilical cords of normal and preeclamptic patients.
METHODS: Umbilical cords were obtained from 15 normal and 15 preeclamptic patients. Immunoreactivities were determined using either indirect immunofluorescence or immunoperoxidase techniques on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections. Staining intensity was graded by a semiquantitative scoring method. The results were compared by Mann-Whitney U-test.
RESULTS: The umbilical cords were thinner and the vessels were hypoplastic in the preeclamptic group. Moderate staining intensity for insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 and -3 and transforming growth factor-beta 3 was observed in normal patients. The preeclamptic group had mild and strong intensities for insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1, respectively, and intensity for insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 did not change, but diffuse and increased intensity was observed for transforming growth factor-beta 3.
CONCLUSION: Changes in the intensity of insulin-like growth factor-I and its major binding protein and the transformation of growth factor-beta 3 may play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia by altering the structure and responsiveness of the umbilical cord.
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