Abstract
Objective
Vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), a transmembrane glycoprotein known primarily as a mediator of white blood cell adhesion and extravasation from the intravascular space, is synthesized by vascular endothelial cells, macrophages, epithelial cells, and placental trophoblasts. Vascular cell adhesion molecule has also been identified as an angiogenic agent, and it appears to play an important role in early placental development. The expression of VCAM-1 is stimulated by cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, and interferon gamma, as well as by oxidatively modified lipoproteins. Our objective was to determine the concentration of soluble VCAM-1 normally present throughout gestation.
Methods
Maternal serum soluble VCAM-1 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in healthy pregnant women.
Results
In 18 patients, soluble VCAM concentrations ranged from 128.02 to 728.6 ng/mL between 5 and 39 weeks of gestation. Maternal soluble VCAM concentrations showed a negative correlation with gestational age. The mean concentration (± standard deviation) was significantly higher before 20 weeks (406.76 ± 134.41 ng/mL) than at or after 20 weeks (346.04 ± 111.20 ng/mL).
Conclusion
Time findings are consistent with the hypothesis that VCAM-1 may play an important role in the normal process of placentation during early pregnancy.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Koch AR, Halloran MM, Haskel CJ, et al. Angiogenesis mediated by soluble forms of E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Nature 1995;376:517–9.
Gunner GC, Davis V, Li H, McCoy MJ, et al. Targeted disruption of the murine VCAM-1 gene: Essential role of VCAM-1 in chorioallantoic fusion and placentation. Gene Dev 1995;9:1–14.
Selvaggi L, Ribatti D, Loverro G, et al. Angiogenesis in preeclampsia. Eur J Obstet Gynecol 1995;59:83–89.
Lyall F, Greer 1A, Boswell F, et al. The cell adhesion molecule, VCAM-1, is selectively elevated in serum in pre-eclampsia: Does this indicate the mechanism of leucocyte activation. Br f Obstet Gynaecol 1994;101:485–7.
Fickling SA, Shitley GS, J, Nussey SS. The cell adhesion molecule, VCAM-1, is selectively elevated in serum in preeclampsia: Does this indicate the mechanism of leucocyte activation. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1994:102:173.
Walsh S. Lipid peroxidation in pregnancy. Hypertens Pregn 1994;13:1–32.
Maseki M, Nishigaki I, Hagihara M, et al. Lipid peroxide levels and lipid content of serum lipoprotein fractions of pregnant subjects with or without preeclampsia. Clin Chim Acta 1981;115: 155–61.
Hubel CA, McLaughlin MK, Evans RW, et al. Fasting serum triglycerides, free fatty acids, and malondialdehyde are increased in preeclampsia, are positively correlated, and decrease within 48 hours postpartum. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996;174:975–82.
Parthasarathy S. Modified lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. RG Landes Publications, CRC Press Inc, 1994.
Branch DW, Mitchell Ml), Miller E, Palinski W, Witzum JL. Pre-eclampsia and serum antibodies to oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Lancet 1994;343:645–6.
Gerretsen GH, Huissjes HJ, Elema JD. Morphological changes of the spiral arteries in the placental bed m relation to pre-eclampsia and fetal growth retardation. Br J Obstet Gvnaecol 1981;88:876–81.
Feng TI, Raynor BD, Santanam N, Parthasarathy S. Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels in maternal and cord blood. J Maternal-Fetal Invest 1996:6:115–8.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Supported in part by funding from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development grant no. RO1 HD28382-03.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Raynor, B.D., Parthasarathy, S. Maternal Serum Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule Concentration During Pregnancy. Reprod. Sci. 4, 78–80 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1016/S1071-5576(97)80001-Y
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1071-5576(97)80001-Y