Origin and characteristics of glycogen cells in the developing murine placenta

Abstract

The junctional zone (Jz) of the mouse placenta consists of two main trophoblast populations, spongiotrophoblasts and glycogen cells (GCs), but the development and function of both cell types are unknown. We conducted a quantitative analysis of GC size, number, and invasion of cells into the decidua across gestation. Furthermore, we identified markers of GC function to investigate their possible roles in the placenta. While the spongiotrophoblast cell volume doubles, and cell number increases steadily from E12.5 to E16.5, there is a remarkable 80-fold increase in GC numbers. This finding is followed by a notable decrease by E18.5. Surprisingly, the accumulation of GCs in the decidua did not fully account for the decrease in GC number in the Jz, suggesting loss of GCs from the placenta. Glucagons were detected on GCs, suggesting a steady glucose release throughout gestation. Connexin31 staining was shown to be specific for GCs. GC migration and invasion may be facilitated by temporally regulated expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and the imprinted gene product, Decorin.

Phosphatase of Regenerating Liver 2 (PRL2) Is Essential for Placental Development by Down-regulating PTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homologue Deleted on Chromosome 10) and Activating Akt Protein

“…gate at what gestational stage the spongiotrophoblast cell loss occurs, we analyzed the wild-type and mutant placenta at E12.5, a time point when the three-layer placenta is just established and glycogen cells start to differentiate (25,26). Although not as pronounced as those observed at E16.5, the spongiotrophoblast and decidual layers of mutant placenta were already thinner than the wild type at E12.5 (Fig.…”

Imprinted genes in mouse placental development and the regulation of fetal energy stores

“…Although formation of the junctional zone is essential for completion of embryogenesis (Guillemot et al 1994), the precise functions of the two junctional zone cell types remain to be confirmed experimentally. Expression of protocadherin 12 (Pcdh12) specifically marks glycogen cells from wE7.5 (Bouillot et al 2005), with stores of glycogen primarily accumulating from E12.5, and migration of glycogen cells into the maternal decidua occurring from wE14.5 (Adamson et al 2002, Coan et al 2006. These glycogen stores are thought to provide a source of energy for late-gestation embryonic growth and parturition (Coan et al 2006).…”

Avaliação hormonal sérica e estereológica da membrana corioalantóide a termo de éguas: influência no desenvolvimento e nos parâmetros clínicos e metabólicos do potro

“…Anderson et al (2005Anderson et al ( , 2006 Análise estereológica da placenta e subsequente correlação com a estrutura e função desse órgão tem sido importante para avaliar relações feto -maternas na espécie equina (ALLEN et al, 2002a;VERONESI et al, 2010), e em outros mamíferos (MAYHEW et al, 2003;COAN et al, 2006;MAYHEW, 2006 , 1938;TISCHNER, 1987;WILSON et al, 1998;ALLEN et al, 2002a).…”

“…Análise estereológica da placenta e subsequente relação com a estrutura e função desse órgão tem sido importante para avaliar relações feto -maternas na espécie equina (ALLEN et al, 2002a;VERONESI et al, 2010), e em outros mamíferos (COAN et al, 2006;MAYHEW; Deficiências na estrutura e função placentária podem refletir em um comprometimento do crescimento e do desenvolvimento fetal durante a gestação, denominado retardo do crescimento intrauterino (RCIU). Essas alterações na estrutura placentária incluem redução do número de vilos, do diâmetro e área de superfície, bem como uma diminuição do número de artérias, tamanho do lúmen e ramificações (LEE; YEH, 1986;KREBS et al, 1996;MACARA et al, 1996;SALAFIA et al, 1997).…”

“…Análise estereológica da placenta e subsequente correlação com a estrutura e função desse órgão tem sido importante para avaliar relações feto -maternas na espécie equina (ALLEN et al, 2002a;VERONESI et al, 2010), e em outros mamíferos (COAN et al, 2006;MAYHEW;.…”