Resistance of human syncytiotrophoblast to hypotonic and thermal stress

Abstract

Human placental syncytiotrophoblast was not lysed when exposed to acutely hypotonic environments (distilled water) or during repeated freeze-thawing. The ability of the syncytiotrophoblast to synthesize and secrete hCG was not blocked after exposure to hypotonic stress (0.055 osmol) and elevated temperature (47°C), treatments which caused lysis of erythrocytes and lymphocytes. The stressresistant property of the syncytiotrophoblast may be an important element in enabling its survival as a barrier between the maternal environment and the conceptus.