Immunohistochemical analyses of bax, TYPE-iv collagen and cd68 expression levels in desidua cells of preeclamptic and normotensive placentas

Aim: Our purpose in this study was to investigate CD68 expression for macrophage effect, BAX expression for apoptosis and distribution of Type IV collagen in connective stalk area by immunohistochemical methods in decidua cells. Materials and Methods: 20 normotensive and 20 preeclamptic placentas were included in our study. Routine paraffin embedding protocol was followed. 4-6 μm histologic sections were cut from these tissues and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin, Periodic Acid Schiff, Masson-Trichrome. Immunohistochemical staining was also performed using BAX, CD68, and Type IV collagen antibodies. Results: When compared with the control group in preeclamptic tissue sections; apoptosis was increased in the pyknotic decidua cells of the main root villi; BAX expression was positively observed in some syncytial nodes of terminal villi and cytoplasm of hypertrophic decidual cells. CD68 expression was positive in degenerated decidual cells, in some infiltrating mononuclear cells, and in macrophage cells around dilated hemorrhagic blood vessels. Type IV collagen expression was positive in the fibrous structures of the extracellular matrix, connective tissue of the terminal villi, in the fibers around the vessel, and in the basement membrane. Conclusion: Preeclampsia has negative effects on decidual development of placenta and trophoblastic invasion. In preeclampsia, expression of BAX and CD68 were increased due to elevated apoptotic reaction in decidual cells, thus leading to an increase in macrophages and degenerated decidual cells. It is thought that in placenta, preeclampsia may negatively affect decidual cell apoptosis, macrophages in extracellular matrix, distribution of type IV collagen and angiogenic development. Key Words: Preeclampsia, decidual cell, BAX, CD68, type IV collagen