Localization of transferrin receptor in the chorionic villi of complete molar pregnancy.

Transferrin receptors have been identified on the villous trophoblast of normal chorionic villi by immunohistochemical techniques. The current study investigated the expression of transferrin receptors on molar chorionic villi by using a monoclonal antibody in immunofluorescence assays. The villous trophoblast of molar chorionic villi was brightly positive for transferrin receptor in the immunofluorescence assay. The presence of transferrin receptors on molar villous trophoblast may influence the immunologic relationship between molar and host tissues.