engleski

Foetal survival determined by 5-azacytidine impact of the placenta

DNA methylation as a regulatory mechanism for mammalian gene expression is involved in the process of placentation as well as foetal development. 5azaC is a demethylating agent, which incorporates into DNA instead of cytosine and prevents its methylation, subsequently, changes expression of genes involved in normal placental and foetal development. Single dose of 5azaC (5 mg/kg) was administered to pregnant rats at 11th, 12th and 13th day of gestation. Placentas and foetuses were isolated at day 20, weighted and histologicaly analyzed. After 5azaC administration on the 11th day of gestation, treated placentas were significantly smaller and labyrinth was significantly reduced. Consequently complete foetal resorption occurred. When administrated at day 12 of gestation, labyrinth was slightly recovered and 24% foetuses survived, while after its application at 13th day of gestation, almost normal distribution of placental layers was found and survival was 96%. These results confirmed epigenetic influence upon placental development. 5azaC caused changes in its structure, especially the reduction of labyrinth that is crucial for foetal survival. After establishment of normal placental layers distribution, 5azaC has no impact on placental morphology, neither on foetal survival. On the other hand, the influence of 5azaC remains visible in appearance of foetal malformations.

placenta; 5-azacytidine; DNA methylation; rat

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