Effect of fetal size on fetal placental hyaluronan and hyaluronoglucosaminidases throughout gestation in the pig

The trophoblast-endometrial epithelial cell bilayer of porcine placenta undergoes microscopic folding during gestation, and the folded bilayer is embedded in fetal placental stroma. We hypothesized that hyaluronan was a component of fetal placental stroma, and that hyaluronoglucosaminidases played a role in bilayer folding. Gilts were unilaterally hysterectomized-ovariectomized (UHO) at 160 days of age, mated at estrus and killed on days 25, 45, 65, 85 or 105 of gestation. Fetal placental tissues were collected to evaluate hyaluronan and hyaluronoglucosaminidase content. Fetal placental hyaluronan concentration increased (P < 0.01) between day 25 and 45 of gestation, remained high throughout gestation, and was greater (P < 0.05) in the fetal placenta of the smallest compared to the largest fetuses on day 105 of gestation. Hyaluronan was localized to fetal placental stroma. Three cDNAs for hyaluronoglucosaminidase 1 (two 1379 and one 1552 bp) and one cDNA (1421 bp) for hyaluronoglucosaminidase 2 were cloned from day-85 fetal placental RNA. Gene expression analysis indicated that the 1379 bp form of hyaluronoglucosaminidase 1 mRNA did not differ, the 1552 bp form increased, and the 1421 bp form of hyaluronoglucosaminidase 2 decreased during pregnancy. Amount of all three mRNAs was greater (P < 0.05) in fetal placenta of the smallest compared to the largest fetuses. Zymography indicated 70 and 55 kd protein isoforms of hyaluronoglucosaminidase in fetal placental tissue. Both forms increased with advancing gestation and were greater in fetal placenta of the smallest compared to the largest fetuses (P < 0.05). These results are consistent with a role for hyaluronan and hyaluronoglucosaminidases in the development of the microscopic folds of the pig placenta during gestation.