Resistance of human syncytiotrophoblast to hypotonic and thermal stress

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Abstract
Human placental syncytiotrophoblast was not lysed when exposed to acutely hypotonic environments (distilled H2O) or during repeated freeze-thawing. The ability of the syncytiotrophoblast to synthesize and secrete human chorionic gonadotropin was not blocked after exposure to hypotonic stress (0.055 osmol) and elevated temperature (47.degree. C), treatments which caused lysis of erythrocytes and lymphocytes. The stress-resistant property of the syncytiotrophoblast may be an important element in enabling its survival as a barrier between the maternal environment and the conceptus.