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Morphology and Immunoexpression of Selenoproteins in Term Placenta of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) from the Peruvian Andes

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Author(s):
Zamora, Miluska Beatriz Navarrete ; Acuna, Francisco ; da Silva, Monica Duarte ; Santos-Silva, Thamires ; Garcia, Matheus Henrique Herminio ; Barreto, Rodrigo da Silva Nunes ; Sato, Alberto Sato ; Barbeito, Claudio Gustavo ; Miglino, Maria Angelica
Total Authors: 9
Document type: Journal article
Source: BIOLOGY-BASEL; v. 14, n. 1, p. 12-pg., 2025-01-01.
Abstract

South American camelids inhabit high-altitude environments characterized by hypoxia, influencing embryonic, fetal, and placental development. This study examined the term placenta morphology of alpacas (Vicugna pacos, N = 12) and the immunoexpression of antioxidant selenoproteins (SP). We hypothesize that the placenta of alpacas, adapted to high altitudes, has characteristics with other species also adapted to altitude. Placentas were paraffin-embedded, sectioned (3-5 mu m), stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome, and picrosirius red, and analyzed via light and polarized light microscopy. The chorion showed simple cuboidal epithelium with binucleated cells, a subepithelial mesenchyme rich in blood capillaries (area: 124.90 +/- 9.82 mu m2), and type III collagen fibers. The chorionic villi measured 2740.22 +/- 132.75 mu m. The allantois contained a simple columnar epithelium and mesenchyme with type I collagen fibers. Immunohistochemistry localized SP-N, SP-P, Dio-3, and GPx-3 in the blood capillaries and mesenchymal tissue of the chorion but not in the allantois. These findings were compared to human and sheep placentas from different altitudes due to a lack of camelid data at low levels. The morphological features resembled adaptations to hypoxia observed in other species. This preliminary study suggests a potential role for selenoproteins in hypoxia adaptation, providing a basis for future functional studies. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 21/05445-7 - Functionalized tissue factory: bioengineering based on ecm interactions with biopolymers and bioprinting
Grantee:Maria Angelica Miglino
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants