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Differential expression of the integrin subunits in human fetal membranes

The distribution of the ₁, ₃–₆, β₁, β₃ and β₄ integrin subunits in fetal membranes at term was examined using an indirect immunofluorescence technique and confocal laser scanning microscopy. In the amniotic epithelium, β₄ integrin (₆β₄) exhibited distinct basal localization, whereas β₁ integrins (₃β₁, ₅β₁) were localized basolaterally. This finding suggests that integrins, especially ₆β₄ which is a structural component of the hemidesmosomes, may function as basement membrane receptors. Integrins localized laterally may play a role in cell–cell interactions. β₁ (₁β₁, ₅β₁) integrins are probably involved in cell–matrix interactions in the connective tissue layers which are rich in collagens and fibronectin. Cytotrophoblasts, located predominantly towards the chorionic basement membrane, mainly expressed ₆β₄, while those located predominantly in the vicinity of decidua expressed ₅β₁, ₃β₁ and ₁β₁. Decidual cells expressed ₃β₁ and ₁β₁, whereas ₁, ₅, ₆, β₁ and β₄ were expressed in blood vessels. This pattern of integrin expression reflects the reported difference in composition of the extracellular matrix at these locations and obviates an important role for ₅β₁ at the chorio–decidual interface. The differential integrin expression at the cell–basement membrane interfaces demonstrated in this study (at amniotic epithelium, cytotrophoblasts, decidual cells and blood vessels) indicated a differential recognition of basement membranes by these cells. β₄ may have a specialized function at the blood vessels, and possibly in cytotrophoblasts, that is distinct from its role in hemidesmosome-mediated attachment. This study suggests that integrins may be involved in cell–matrix and cell–cell adhesions in fetal membranes and may therefore be important for maintaining their normal structural and functional integrity.

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