Expression of the epithelial sodium channel sensitive to amiloride (ENaC) in normal and preeclamptic human placenta

Placenta. 2013 Feb;34(2):197-200. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.11.008. Epub 2012 Dec 3.

Abstract

Aldosterone modulates the activity of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) through changes in its trafficking, membrane expression and open probability. Plasma levels of aldosterone are decreased in preeclampsia. Herein we postulated that if aldosterone regulates ENaC expression then its expression should be decreased in preeclampsia. We found a diminished expression of the three subunits of the ENaC in the membranes of preeclamptic placentas in comparison with the normal ones. Although the role of ENaC in placental tissues is poorly understood, these differences may have consequences for the ion transport involved in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aldosterone / metabolism
  • Amiloride / pharmacology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Epithelial Sodium Channel Blockers / pharmacology
  • Epithelial Sodium Channels / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Placenta / drug effects
  • Placenta / metabolism*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism

Substances

  • Epithelial Sodium Channel Blockers
  • Epithelial Sodium Channels
  • Protein Subunits
  • SCNN1A protein, human
  • SCNN1B protein, human
  • SCNN1G protein, human
  • Aldosterone
  • Amiloride