Isolation of Prolactin-Producing Cells from First and Second Trimester Decidua*

Abstract

Two cell types isolated and purified to homogeneity from human decidua obtained at 8-17 weeks of gestation were shown immunocytochemically to correspond to decidual and epithelial cells in the tissue of origin. The decidual cells reacted with antihuman PRL antiserum, and epithelial cells reacted with antiserum against keratin, an epithelial cell marker. Decidual and epithelial cells were cultured separately to determine their abilities to release PRL to the medium. Decidual cells released 140-410 ng PRL/mg protein in 24 h, whereas no PRL was detectable in cultures of isolated epithelial cells. These homogeneous preparations provide an excellent system with which to study the regulation of PRL production and other biochemical properties of decidual components.

Effect of Thrombin on Human Amnion Mesenchymal Cells, Mouse Fetal Membranes, and Preterm Birth

“…Isolation of Decidual Cells-Decidual cells were isolated from human decidual tissue by limited enzymatic digestion and separation on Percoll gradients according to previously described methods (20). Cells were plated in plastic plates and allowed to replicate to confluence in primary monolayer culture.…”

Decidua produces a protein that inhibits choriogonadotrophin release from human trophoblasts.

“…After centrifugation at 1,200 g, the middle layer containing cytotrophoblasts was collected and washed. Decidual cells were isolated from decidual tissue dissected from placental membranes by the method ofBraverman et al (10). This procedure involved the digestion of decidual tissue with 0.25% collagenase A (Boehringer-Mannheim, Indianapolis, IN) at 37°C for 2 h followed by centrifugation through a 20-60% Percoll gradient.…”

Expression of Prolactin Gene in Human Decidua During Pregnancy Studied by In Situ Hybridization Histochemistry.

“…This indicate that the specific hybridization signal for PRL was detected over the decidual cells. Immunocytochemical studies have shown that decidual cells are strongly immunoreactive against PRL antisera [10][11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

“…Studies have shown PRL immunoreactivity in the decidual cells [10][11][12][13][14][15][16], and in situ hybridization histochemistry (ISH) showed the localization of PRL mRNA in the decidual cells [16]. However, regional differences in PRL gene expression, such as in the decidua basalis, decidua parietalis and decidua capsularis, have not been clarified yet.…”