Trophoblast Retrieval And Isolation From The Cervix (tric) For Non-Invasive Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis And Prediction Of Abnormal Pregnancy Outcome

TROPHOBLAST RETRIEVAL AND ISOLATION FROM THE CERVIX (TRIC) FORNON-INVASIVE PRENATAL GENETIC DIAGNOSIS AND PREDICTION OFABNORMAL PREGNANCY OUTCOMEby RANI B. FRITZAugust 2015Advisor: D. Randall Armant, Ph.D.Major: Physiology (Reproductive Sciences Concentration)Degree: Doctor of PhilosophyThe placenta is vital for the shortand long-term health of the fetus, and significantlyimpacts the health of the mother. During the first and second trimesters of pregnancy,extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells invade the uterus and remodel the maternal spiral arterieswhich, if inadequate, lead to pregnancy complications, including early pregnancy loss (EPL),preeclampsia (PE), and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR). EVT migration into the uterinewall is dependent on growth factors and cytokines that signal between maternal and fetal tissues.The epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling system plays a significant role in trophoblastsurvival and function. Using immunocytochemistry (ICC), we evaluated EGF family growth factors in post-partum PE placentas (villi and basal plate), and maternal serum, comparing toplacentas to gestational age (GA)-matched preterm pregnancies, IUGR pregnancies, and uncomplicated term pregnancies. EGF, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF), and transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA) were significantly decreased in placentas from PEcompared to IUGR, preterm labor, and uncomplicated term placentas. It was uncertain whetherreduced growth factor signaling contributed to disease, or was the result of late-stage pathology. However, EGF was significantly reduced in prenatal serum of pregnant patients with PE