In neonatal hemochromatosis (NH), immunohistochemistry of the placenta revealed increased expressions of transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), transferrin, ferritin, hepcidin, divalent metal transporter 1, and HFE on the microvillar surface, and TFR1, hepcidin, hephaestin, and HFE in the cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblasts (STB).
Increased expression of TFR1 on the surface of STB in NH is prominent and may primarily contribute to the increased influx of iron from the mother to fetus.
It is suggested that hepcidin on the surface and in the cytoplasm of STB derives from the mother in NH.