Antigenic identification of cells in spiral artery trophoblastic invasion: Validation of histologic studies by triple-antibody immunocytochemistry

Abstract

Trophoblastic invasion of spiral arteries in the placental bed is essential for normal human placentation. Because the absence of these physiologic changes is associated with abnormal pregnancies, we developed a simple immunocytochemical approach that allows simultaneous study of three cell types involved in spiral artery changes (i.e., trophoblastic, endothelial, and smooth muscle cells).