ANTIGENS OF THE HUMAN TROPHOBLAST PLASMA-MEMBRANE

Abstract

Using purified plasma membranes of human syncytial trophoblast as immunogen, heterologous antisera were raised which reacted by indirect immunohistological methods with the surface of the trophoblast. This antigenic activity appears to be absent from other adult and fetal tissues. Its absence from maternal sera and its resistance to mild detergent treatment suggest that it is intimately associated with the surface membrane of the syncytial trophoblast. This antigen was immunologically different to a number of proteins, including those known to be produced by the trophoblast. The identification of this antigen may indicate a potential line of research for the immunological regulation of human fertility.