Fig 1: The amino acid transporter SNAT2 is downregulated in the human ICSI placenta. Semiquantitative staining scores (A,E,I,M) and corresponding representative immunostaining photomicrographies of placental GLUT1 (B,C), SNAT2 (F,G), P-gp (J,K) and BCRP (N,O) in control naturally conceived (CON; n = 10/group) and ICSI (n = 11/group) term placentae. All transporters were predominantly localized to the membrane and cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblasts. Staining of GLUT1, SNAT2 and BCRP were also detected, to a lesser extent, in endothelial cells of fetal blood vessels and in the cytoplasm of placental connective tissue. (D,H,L,P) negative controls. Data are presented as media ± SD. (A,E,I,M) statistical differences were analyzed using Unpaired t-test. * p < 0.05. Arrows indicate the syncytium; arrow heads indicate fetal blood cells. Scale bar = 50 µm.