Figure 5
Decreased T2* relaxation time in placentas from antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) mice that received anti-C3-USPIO (ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide). (a) Decreased T2* time was observed in placentas from APS mice that received USPIO-anti-C3 antibodies compared with untreated APS mice (*P<0.05), APS mice treated with USPIOs alone (*P<0.05), APS mice injected with USPIO-Ctrl AB (*P<0.05) and control immunoglobulin G (IgG)-treated mice injected with USPIO-anti-C3 (*P<0.05). (b) Fast pin echo magnetic resonance imaging coronal view showing a placenta in APS mice. (c) Increased C3 deposition in placentas from APS mice compared with control mIgG-treated mice, detected by immunohistochemistry. Microphotographs represent one of five similar experiments. The placenta diagram shows the area of the labyrinth where the microphotographs were taken. (d) Increased oxidative stress—measured as signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 8 content in placentas from APS mice compared with mIgG-treated mice. n=4–5 mice/group. (e) Decreased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in placentas from APS mice compared with mIgG-treated mice. n=4–5 mice/group. (f) Immunohistochemical detection of placental growth factor in placentas from APS- and mIgG-treated mice. (g) Intrauterine growth restriction and decreased placental weight in foetuses from APS mice compared with control mice treated with mouse IgG. n=4–5 mice/group.
