Thrombin enhances soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 expression in trophoblasts; possible involvement in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible impact of thrombin on soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) expression in trophoblasts.

DESIGN: Experimental.

SETTING: University hospital laboratory.

INTERVENTIONS(S): A trophoblast cell line (HRT-8/SVneo) was treated with thrombin, protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1)-specific agonist SFLLERN, and thrombin antagonist PPACK.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): mRNA expression of sFlt-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and placental growth factor (PlGF) in trophoblasts, with the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction; and the secretion of sFlt-1, VEGF, and PlGF protein from trophoblasts, with the use of ELISA.

RESULT(S): Administration of thrombin (10 U/mL) and PAR-1-specific agonist SFLLRN (300 μmol/L) increased sFlt-1 mRNA expression (4.24 ± 0.74- and 4.21 ± 0.79-fold, respectively) and protein secretion (5.08 ± 0.42- and 1.89 ± 0.16-fold, respectively) in HRT-8/SVneo. The induction of sFlt-1 protein secretion by thrombin was dose dependent. The effect of thrombin was completely reduced by thrombin inhibitor PPACK. Thrombin increased mRNA expression of VEGF but did not change VEGF secretion and PlGF mRNA expression and secretion.

CONCLUSION(S): During placental development, thrombin, generated in the local hemorrhage of the uteroplacenta increases trophoblast expression of sFlt-1. Consequently, thrombin may contribute to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.