Trophoblast function is altered by decidual factors in gestational-dependant manner

Abstract

Inadequate implantation and placentation is associated with miscarriage and placental insufficiency. The decidual environment is thought to regulate trophoblast invasion, however this is poorly defined in humans. We aimed to determine the effect of decidualization on trophoblast function. In vitro decidualized primary human endometrial stromal cells (HESC) significantly enhanced first-trimester extravillous trophoblast (EVT) (6–8-weeks gestation) adhesion, outgrowth/invasion. In EVTs from 10 to 12-weeks gestation this effect was absent (adhesion, invasion) or reversed (outgrowth). HESC conditioned media had no effect on trophoblast MMP9 production/activity. Decidualization regulated EVT func..