Immunohistochemical identification of the extravillous trophoblast during the placentation of the degu (Octodon degus)

Recent data indicate that placentation in Octodon degus is similar to that in humans, making it a potential animal model for studies in human placental pathologies related to alterations in the migration of the extravillous trophoblast (EVT). Our objective was to immunohistochemically identify degu EVT during placentation by using cytoskeletal protein markers to establish the normal migratory pattern of the EVT. Fifteen O.degus were divided into three equal groups: day 27, 60, and 84 of gestation. The placentas were immunostained for cytokeratin (CK) and alpha smooth muscle actin (SMA). At day 27, the migrating EVT immunostained for SMA but not for CK. Once the EVT was incorporated in the maternal vessels (day 60) it was positive for CK but negative for SMA. The smooth muscle cells of the mesometrial arteries that remained after EVT invasion were positive for SMA. At day 84, the media muscular layer had partially regenerated but some EVT was still present. Furthermore, at day 27 cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) was detected in the endothelium of the maternal decidual vessels. Our results suggest that during the early stages of placentation, the cytoskeletal organization of the actin network of the migrating EVT corresponds to that of a cell with motile behavior. Once the EVT invaded the spiral arteries, the cytoskeleton reorganized, adopting the structure of an epithelial-like cell, expressing CK intermediate filaments. The media muscle layer regenerated near the end of gestation but some EVT remained. During EVT formation the endothelium of the maternal decidual vessels immunostained for COX-1.