activities in basal and microvillous syncytiotrophoblast membranes from preeclamptic human term placenta

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of preeclampsia on the level of lipid peroxidation, activity and expression of both plasma membrane Ca 2+ - and Na + ,K + ATPases in syncytiotrophoblast. Methods: The level of lipid peroxidation was estimated by measuring TBARS. ATPase activities were quantified by a colorimetric method measuring the amount of inorganic phosphate during the assay. Expression of Ca 2+ and Na + ,K + -ATPases in syncytiotrophoblast plasma membranes and term placenta tissue sections was investigated using Western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: Our results show a higher level of lipid peroxidation of syncytiotrophoblast plasma membranes from preeclamptic, as compared to uncomplicated pregnant women. Preeclampsia also significantly reduced the activity of Ca 2+ and Na + ,K + -ATPases; however, expression of both ATPases was unaffected. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the reduction of Ca 2+ - and Na + ,K + -ATPase activities during preeclampsia could be at least partially due to an increased level of lipid peroxidation of the syncytiotrophoblast plasma membranes.