Dynamic changes in hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotrophin throughout the first trimester of pregnancy and its role in early placentation

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION What is the in situ localization and function of hyperglycosylated hCG (hCG-H) in first trimester pregnancy tissues? SUMMARY ANSWER HCG-H localizes to the syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblast and invasive extravillous trophoblast within the maternal decidua and promotes invasion during the first trimester of pregnancy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Serum levels of hCG-H decline dramatically throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. As hCG-H is produced by choriocarcinoma cells, it is proposed to regulate trophoblast invasion. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Tissues were collected from elective first trimester pregnancy terminations. Placental villous and decidua basalis were collected..