Histology and immunology of the placenta in the Atlantic sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae

Placenta
A N HainesJ P Wourms

Abstract

The Atlantic sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, is viviparous species that forms a yolk sac placenta to facilitate exchange between mother and embryo. However, very little is known about the immunological aspects of this organ in sharks. To begin to understand this, we used histology, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry to investigate the sharpnose shark placenta throughout gestation. We report the presence of lymphoid aggregates in the maternal portion of the placenta during all stages of gestation, and their increasing size and vascularity near term. Immunoglobulin is found in the maternal tissues of the placenta, but its presence in embryonic tissue and potential transfer from maternal circulation remains unclear. Placental cells resembling mammalian uterine NK cells and melanomacrophages of lower vertebrates are described for the first time. Similarities with mammalian placentae point to shared aspects in the co-evolution of reproductive and immune systems, even between two phylogenetically diverse groups in which placentation arose by convergent evolution.

Citations

Aug 26, 2014·Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology·M G Frías-EspericuetaD Voltolina
Dec 24, 2014·Journal of Reproductive Immunology·Gérard Chaouat, David A Clark
May 25, 2016·Journal of Reproductive Immunology·David A Clark
May 19, 2020·Molecular Biology and Evolution·Michael W GuernseyJulie C Baker
Jun 27, 2020·Veterinary Clinical Pathology·Helena Sofia Carmezim, Ricardo Marcos
Aug 6, 2013·The Journal of Immunology : Official Journal of the American Association of Immunologists·Ting ChenDavid Klatzmann
Apr 5, 2019·Journal of Reproductive Immunology·Gerard Chaouat

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