Immunohistological examination of thyroid hormone receptor expressions in placenta in maternal hypothyroidism

Thyroid hormones are necessary for the development of a healthy fetus and placenta. In our study, we evaluated the thyroid hormone receptor expressions in the placentas of pregnant women with hypothyroidism. We evaluated term placentas in two groups: control (n=5) and hypothyroidism (n=5). THRα and THRß were expressed in the placenta, especially in syncytiotrophoblasts, and also in placental macrophages. THRα expression was decreased in the hypothyroid group compared to the control group, but it was statistically non-significant (p=0,850) . THRß expression was decreased in the hypothyroid group compared to the control group at a statistically significant level (p=0,004). The results showed that thyroid hormone receptors are associated with maternal hypothyroidism.