The Distribution of Foxp3 and CD68 in Preeclamptic and Healthy Placentas: A Histomorphological Evaluation

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that affects 3–5% of pregnancies and is one of the major causes of maternal/neonatal mortality and morbidities worldwide. We aimed to investigate the distribution of Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells and CD68+ Hofbauer cells in the placenta of preeclamptic and healthy pregnant women with a special focus on correlating these findings with placental histology. Decidua and chorionic villi of the placenta obtained from healthy and preeclamptic pregnancies were evaluated in full-thickness sections. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome and immunostained for Foxp3 and CD68 for histological analyses. The total histomorphological score for placentas was found to be higher in preeclamptic placentas than that in the controls. The CD68 immunoreactivity was higher in the chorionic villi of preeclamptic placentas than that in the controls. The immunoreactivity of Foxp3 was found widely distributed within the decidua in both the groups and did not differ significantly. Interestingly, Foxp3 immunoreactivity in the chorionic villi was found mainly in the villous core and, to a lesser extent, in the syncytiotrophoblasts. We found no significant relation between Foxp3 expressions and morphological changes observed in preeclamptic placentas. Although extensive research is being carried out regarding the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, the findings are still controversial.