The expression of LN and LN-R in different regions in first-trimester villi and choriocarcinoma and its significance

Objective: To explore the relationship between laminin (LN), laminin receptor (LN-R) and the invasion of trophoblastic cells. Methods: Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of LN and LN-R in human villi during the first trimester and choriocarcinoma. Results: There was a gradual loss of LN and LN-R as trophoblast was transformed from the villous phenotype, through the trophoblastic columns, into the extravillous population in human villi during the first trimester. The expression of LN in choriocarcinoma was lower than that in human villi during the first trimester and the different expression of LN between them was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: LN and LN-R might play an important role in the invasion of trophoblastic cells.