Xanthine Oxidase/Dehydrogenase is present in human placenta

A. Many, A. Westerhausen-Larson, A. Kanbour-Shakir, J. M. Roberts*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

Xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase (XDH, EC 1.1.1.204, XO, EC 1.2.3.2) produces uric acid, and in the oxidase form also generates the free radical superoxide. Previous reports failed to demonstrate XDH/XO activity in human placenta. Our objective was to determine evidence of XDH/XO in human placenta. We developed a cDNA probe for human XDH/XO and used it to detect mRNA by Northern hybridization. Immunohistochemical localization of the enzyme in placental tissue was performed using a specific antibody for XDH/XO and ABC-peroxidase. Enzyme activity assay was determined by the conversion of [14C] xanthine to [14C] uric acid. was detected in all placental samples (n = 4). Villous and non-villous trophoblast cells expressed immunohistochemical for XOD (n = 4). Enzyme activity was detected in all placentae (n = 6). Despite previous reports, we found mRNA, XDH/XO protein and enzyme activity in human placenta localized to trophoblast cells. Enzyme activity was much lower than in liver. Several conditions in the maternal-fetal unit could potentially increase XDH/XO activity and conversion of the enzyme to its oxidase form.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)361-365
Number of pages5
JournalPlacenta
Volume17
Issue number5-6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996
Externally publishedYes

Funding

FundersFunder number
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentP01HD030367

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