Ultrastructural and Immunohistochemical Features of Telocytes in Placental Villi in Preeclampsia

Abstract

A new cell type, interstitial Cajal-like cell (ICLC), was recently described in different organs. The name was recently changed to telocytes (TCs), and their typical thin, long processes have been named telopodes (Tp). TCs regulate the contractile activity of smooth muscle cells and play a role in regulating vessel contractions. Although the placenta is not an innervated organ, we believe that TCs are present in the placenta. We studied placenta samples from physiological pregnancies and in different variants of preeclampsia (PE). We examined these samples using light microscopy of semi-thin sections, transmission electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical examination was performed with primary antibodies to CD34, CD117, SMA, and vimentin, and TMEM16a (DOG-1), the latter was used for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) consisting of TCs. We have identified a heterogenetic population of ТСs in term placentas, as these cell types differed in their localization, immunophenotype and ultrastructural characteristics. We assume TMEM16a could be used as the marker for identification of TCs. In PE we have revealed telocyte-like cells with ultrastructural signs of fibrocytes (significant process thickening and the granular endoplasmic reticulum content was increased) and a loss of TMEM16a immunohistochemical staining.

Morphological changes of telocytes in camel efferent ductules in response to seasonal variations during the reproductive cycle

“…TCs have been identified in the mammalian testis of human 37 , mouse 38 , rabbit 39 . Camel TCs possessed features identical to those of TCs in other mammalian species 40 – 43 . Most of TCs had indented nuclei; nuclear indentation may be a characteristic feature of camel TCs.…”

Influence of Branching Patterns and Active Contractions of the Villous Tree on Fetal and Maternal Blood Circulations in the Human Placenta

“…It is possible to apply the mechanical environment to the computation about the model of the terminal villi, which is composed of the capillaries [29]. In the meantime, telocytes in the placenta have been found [30][31][32][33]. The distribution of the telocytes should be considered because the placenta is an innervated organ.…”

Novel cellular entities and their role in the etiopathogenesis of female idiopathic infertility—a review article

“…Telocytes have been thoroughly documented in most organs of the female reproductive system. They have been studied in the vagina (regulation of smooth muscle contractility) [20], mammary gland (functional regulation, immunomodulation, and possible role in carcinogenesis) [21], or even placenta (role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia) [22]. In regard to female infertility, researchers have focused on many different organs of the female reproductive system.…”