Placental Serotonin Signaling, Pregnancy Outcomes, and Regulation of Fetal Brain Development.

Placental Serotonin Signaling, Pregnancy Outcomes, and Regulation of Fetal Brain Development. Biol Reprod. 2019 Nov 11;: Authors: Rosenfeld CS Abstract The placenta is a transient organ but essential for the survival of all mammalian species by allowing for the exchanges of gasses, nutrients, and waste between maternal and fetal placenta. In rodents and humans with a hemochorial placenta, fetal placenta cells are susceptible to pharmaceutical agents and other compounds, as they are bathed directly in maternal blood. The mouse and human placentae produce high concentrations of serotonin (5-HT) that can induce autocrine and paracrine effects. Placental 5-HT is the primary source of this neurotransmitter for fetal brain development. Increasing number of pregnant women at risk of depression are being treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) that bind to serotonin transporters (SERT), which prevents 5-HT binding and cellular internalization, allowing for accumulation of extracellular 5-HT available to bind to 5-HT(2A) receptor (R). In vitro and in vivo findings with SSRI or pharmacological blockage of the 5-HT(2A)R reveal disruptions of 5-HT signaling within placenta can affect cell proliferation, division, and invasion. In SERT knockout (SERT-KO) mice, numerous apoptotic trophoblast cells are observed, as well as extensive pathological changes within the junctional zone. Collective data suggest a fine equilibrium in 5-...
Source: Biology of Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tags: Biol Reprod Source Type: research