Morphologic Characteristics of the Interaction Between Normal Cytotrophoblasts and Their Malignant Counterpart in the Development of Trophoblastic Neoplasia

Abstract

Objectives: To define the biology of the tumor-host cell interaction with regard to cellular kinetics and morphologic changes during cell-cell interaction in an in vitro model of trophoblastic neoplasia.

Methods: Using a coculture in vitro system ofcytotrophoblasts and choriocarcinoma cells, we investigated the cellular kinetics and the morphologic changes in these interacting cells. A fully automatic time-lapse image system was used to record phase contrast images of the cocultured cells in a tissue culture chamber. To examine cytoskeletal structure, immunofluorescent-labeled antibodies against intermediate filaments were used. Slides were examined with a confocal laser scanning microscope and subjected to computed analysis.

Results: The choriocarcinoma cells attract normal cytotrophoblasts using what resembles pseudopodia to engulf the latter cells and thus form slow-growing colonies. In this process, new hybrid cells are formed, which can be differentiated from their original contributors by morphologic characteristics.

Conclusion: This phenomenon supports our previous biochemical and molecular data on the role of cell-cell interaction in the complex process of cytotrophoblast transformation and the development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

Keywords

Cytotrophoblasts choriocarcinoma cell-cell interaction image analysis gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

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