ABSTRACT
Progesterone-induced decidualized human endometrial stromal cells form a hemostatic
envelope that protects against hemorrhage during invasion of endometrial capillaries
by implanting blastocyst-derived cytotrophoblasts (CTs). This hemostatic milieu reflects
co-upregulated expression of tissue factor (TF), the primary initiator of hemostasis
via thrombin generation and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1, which inactivates
tissue-type plasminogen activator, the primary fibrinolytic agent. During deep invasion
of the decidua, CTs breach and remodel spiral arteries and arterioles to produce high-conductance
vessels. Shallow invasion results in incomplete vascular transformation and an underperfused
fetal-placental unit associated with preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.
Decidual hemorrhage and severe thrombophilias elicit aberrant thrombin generation
from decidual cell-expressed TF. Such thrombin induces decidual cells to synthesize
and secrete soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), the matrix metalloproteinases
MMP-1 and MMP-3, and the neutrophil chemoattractant interleukin-8. Excess sFlt-1 at
the implantation site may inhibit CT invasion by altering the angiogenic factor balance.
During abruptions, thrombin-enhanced MMP-1, MMP-3 by decidual cells and neutrophil-derived
proteases degrade the decidual and fetal membrane extracellular matrix to promote
preterm premature rupture of the membranes. In association with long-term progestin-only
contraception, overexpression of decidual cell-derived thrombin promotes aberrant
angiogenesis and vessel maintenance to contribute to abnormal uterine bleeding.
KEYWORDS
Tissue factor - plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 - decidua - abruption
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Frederick SchatzPh.D.
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School
of Medicine
333 Cedar Street, Room 335 FMB, P.O. Box 208063, New Haven, CT 06511
eMail: frederick.schatz@yale.edu