Erratum to “Abstracts for the IFPA Meeting 2011” [Placenta 32 (2011) A1–A149]
DOI of original article: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.07.004. 0143-4004/$ – see front matter Ó 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. doi:10.1016/j.placenta.2011.10.001
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Background: Syncytial nuclear aggregates (SNAs) are more prevalent in post-mature placentas and placental pathologies including pre-eclampsia. The morphology of nuclei in SNAs suggests they are apoptotic. Contrary to this, previous studies have shown that most SNAs do not show staining for either the M30 neoepitope (caspase cleavage of cytokeratin 18) or TUNEL. Objectives: 1. To clarify whether different types of SNA show varied levels of M30 neoepitope. 2. To test whether the proportion of condensed nuclei localised in SNAs is greater than in the remaining syncytiotrophoblast layer (ST). Methods: Ten serial sections from normal placenta (n ¼ 6) were stained for the M30 neoepitope. M30-positive SNAs were traced through sections to determine type of SNA (knots, bridges, sectioning artefact, other). To investigate nuclear morphology an archive of electron micrographs was reviewed for normal (n ¼ 7), post-mature (n ¼ 7) and pre-eclamptic (n ¼ 7) placentas. The nuclear appearances were semi-quantitatively assessed on a scale of 0–5. 0 ¼ mostly euchromatic, 5 ¼ totally heterochromatic. Results: Knots were more likely to be M30-positive (50%, interquartile range (IQR) 44.6%–53.3%) than bridges (13.3%, IQR 5.8%–20.0%) (Fig. 1). Normal placentas had more condensed (grade 4/5) (nuclei in SNAs than in ST (22.58% IQR 0.00%–50.00% vs. 0.00% IQR 0.00%–3.03%; p < 0.001). Postmature ST had more nuclei at both extremes of chromatin condensation. Pre-eclamptic SNA nuclei were less condensed than normal SNA nuclei (Grade 4/5 nuclei 5.882% IQR 0.00%–9.09% vs. 22.58% IQR 0.00%–50.00%; p < 0.001).
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Sarah Coleman, Carolyn Jones, Colin Sibley, John Aplin, Alexander Heazell Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
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P2.131 A STUDY OF NUCLEAR CONDENSATION AND M30 STAINING WITHIN SYNCYTIAL NUCLEAR AGGREGATES
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Conclusion: Apoptotic features are more pronounced in syncytial knots than in bridges, indicating these structures may have different origins and functions. More condensed nuclei accumulate in syncytiotrophoblast with advancing gestation. The occurrence of fewer condensed nuclei in SNAs in PE is consistent with reports of faster trophoblast turnover in this condition. The data suggest that SNAs are dynamic structures and indicate that nuclear condensation is not a prerequisite for incorporation therein.
% of M30 stained SNAs composed of each subclassification
The publisher regrets that the following abstract was not printed with its accompanying figure in the correct place. The correct abstract and figure are shown below.
subclassification of SNA N=6 Fig. 1. Composition of SNAs that stained positively for the M30 neoepitope.Ă