Figure 4.

EVT cells surrounding spiral arterioles co‐express VIP and HLA‐G. Serial decidua sections were stained with anti‐HLA‐G, anti‐SMA, anti‐CD45, or anti‐VIP Abs and haematoxylin. Microphotographs were taken with an Olympus Microscope with 40× magnification. Images are representative of at least 15 SpA observed in five decidua basalis (5–9 weeks of pregnancy). Ab: antibody; CD: cluster differentiation; EVT: extravillous trophoblast; HLA‐G: human leukocyte antigen G; SMA: smooth muscle actin; SpA: spiral arterioles; VIP: vasoactive intestinal peptide