SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “DECIDUA”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1979

Indirect immunofluorescent localization of prolactin to the cytoplasm of decidua and trophoblast cells in human placental membranes at term.

An indirect immunofluorescent technique was used to determine the localization of cytoplasmic human PRL (hPRL) in fresh and incubated human placental membranes at term. In both fresh and 8-h incubated samples of amnion, amniochorion decidua, or chorion decidua obtained from three placentas, we found specific reproducible localization of hPRL to the cytoplasm of decidua and trophoblast cells. The decidua cells appeared to be the most intensely fluorescent. No specific hPRL immunofluorescence was noted in the amniotic epithelium of fresh or incubated samples of amnion and amniochorion decidua. These data suggest that the trophoblast decidua cell layer is the site of PRL localization and possibly synthesis in placental membranes at term and may be the origin of amniotic fluid PRL in humans.

Cytoplasm↗

PubMed1979

Is human decidua a specialized endocrine organ?

The production of protein hormones by human placenta, amnion, chorion, and decidua capsularis was studied in in vitro experiments to establish whether the decidua could be considered a specialized structure for the release of PRL. The tissues were incubated in the incubation medium, we found a highly significant rise of PRL during culture of the decidua, while no increase was noticed during culture of the placenta or amnion. Conversely, chorionic somatomammotropin and CG increased greatly and quickly during culture of placenta but not during culture of other tissues. No significant change was found in GH. The total PRL released into the medium from decidua was 3 times higher than the initial PRL content of this sittue; addition of puromycin to the incubation medium reduced both the tissue content and the release of PRL to almost 50% of the control values. This result raises the possibility of a specific endocrine activity of decidua capsularis. The PRL-secreint cells of the decidua probably do not possess dopamine receptors, since bromocriptine, when added to the medium, did not influence the release of PRL, confirming our previous in vivo observations.

Amnion↗

PubMed1990

Presence and synthesis of inhibin subunits in human decidua.

A growing number of studies provided the evidence that human decidua is a pregnancy-related tissue capable of hormone production and metabolism. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible presence of inhibin subunits in human decidua. Tissue samples were collected in pregnant women during the first (8 weeks) and second trimester (18 weeks) of gestation and at term (40 weeks). Immunohistochemical data were obtained using affinity purified polyclonal antisera raised in rabbit against porcine alpha, beta A, or beta B subunits. Levels of the respective inhibin subunits were evaluated by Northern blot analysis using cDNA probes encoding sequences corresponding to each subunit. The present results indicated that human decidua contains and synthesizes inhibin alpha, beta A, and beta B subunits. The immunohistochemical data showed that decidual cells were stained with both inhibin alpha and beta B antisera, showing a similar localization. On the other hand, cells stained with inhibin beta A antisera were sparse and followed a distribution pattern different from that of cells stained with alpha or beta B antisera. The first inhibin alpha and beta B subunit mRNAs were both expressed in first trimester of pregnancy, and those mRNA levels showed a gestational related increase. The beta A subunit mRNA was expressed at very low levels at term and could not be detected earlier during pregnancy. The present data showed that human decidua actively produces inhibin subunits with a gestational-related profile. The results suggest that decidua may be a further source of inhibin-related proteins during pregnancy and emphasize the endocrine competence of human decidua.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

PubMed1995

Estrogen stimulates oxytocin gene expression in human chorio-decidua.

We have recently shown that oxytocin (OT) is synthesized within human amnion, chorion, and decidua during late gestation. The levels of OT messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) increased around the time of parturition, suggesting that locally produced OT may play a role in this poorly understood process. In this report, we present results from investigations into the effects of estrogen and progesterone on the synthesis of OT by human chorio-decidua. Using an in vitro incubation system, estradiol at physiological concentrations more than doubled the concentration of OT mRNA. This was reflected by an increase in the amount of OT peptide secreted into the medium. The increase in OT mRNA was antagonized by tamoxifen, suggesting that the effects were estrogen receptor mediated. Progesterone had no effect on OT mRNA synthesis. Using ribonuclease protection assays, mRNAs for estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) were detected in all tissues examined. The highest levels were found in decidua, with lower amounts in chorion and very small amounts in amnion and placenta. This is the same relative tissue distribution that we previously demonstrated for OT mRNA. A single transcript was present for ER, and two transcripts were protected for PR. The concentrations of ER mRNA in chorio-decidua were 3-fold higher in tissues obtained after spontaneous labor onset than in tissues obtained from cesarean section at a similar gestational age but before labor onset. Levels of PR did not change significantly. We conclude that synthesis of OT in human chorio-decidua may be regulated in part by estrogen, and that regulation of ER levels may be an important factor modulating this effect. These data support the hypothesis of a paracrine network within human fetal membranes and decidua that may participate in regulating the timing of human birth.

Chorion↗

PubMed1996

The human prolactin receptor in the fetal membranes, decidua, and placenta.

Human PRL is synthesized and secreted by the maternal decidua, but not by the chorionic cytotrophoblast of the chorion laeve or the placenta. The sites of action for decidual PRL are currently unknown. Accordingly, Northern analysis and in situ hybridization histochemistry have been used respectively to quantitate and localize the expression of the PRL receptor (PRL-R) gene within the uterus during the peripartal period. Immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis using an anti-PRL-R antibody (U5) localized the translated protein at the cellular level in the same tissues. As judged by the level of expression of the PRL-R gene and its translated products, the chorionic cytotrophoblast has been shown to be a primary site of action. Novel sites were also shown in the decidua, placental trophoblast, and amniotic epithelium. In situ hybridization was not obtained in the latter despite positive Northern analysis and immunostaining. Western analyses with an antibody (U5) to the extracellular domain of the rat PRL-R detected six major molecular species of 95, 85, 63, less than 63, more than 30, and 30 kDa in cytosol from separated amnion, chorion, and decidua. The two bands at 95 and 85 kDa were approximate values only and represent the mature glycosylated forms of the human PRL-R. The other four major bands were partial degradation products from the PRL-R, showing tissue-specific processing and patient to patient variation related to the spectrum of proteases present in these tissues. The 63- and 30-kDa PRL-R-related proteins were detected in both the cytosol and medium from amnion, chorion, and decidua and were also present in amniotic fluid. The 30-kDa species was equal in size to a recently reported PRL-binding protein in human milk. The release of these two PRL-R-related proteins into amniotic fluid suggests possible functions as binding and or/PRL transport proteins in these tissues. The more than 30-kDa species was detected in high amounts in both cytosol and medium from the decidua, but was absent from amniotic fluid. Further work is required to clarify the structural relationships and potential functions of these immunologically PRL-R-related proteins. This study shows that the PRL-R is widely expressed by both fetal and maternal tissues in late pregnancy. Its increased expression during labor and delivery in the chorion, decidua, and placenta supports an autocrine/paracrine role for decidual PRL in the peripartum.

Amniotic Fluid↗

PubMed1981

Study on immunoreactive prolactin of decidua in early pregnancy.

In order to investigate the source of prolactin in amniotic fluid, immunoreactive-prolactin (IR-Prl) of decidua and villi was measured in 40 cases of early pregnancy, and analyzed by gel filtration. The IR-Prl release from these tissues was also observed in an incubation experiment. The decidua of 8 weeks of gestation contained the highest amount of IR-Prl, 81.06 +/- 2.13 ng/0.1 g dry weight. In the incubation experiment, the decidua of 12 weeks of gestation released 360.35 +/- 10.54 ng/0.1 g wet weight in 120 min. In regard to the villi, the IR-Prl concentration was low. In the profile of column chromatogram of decidua, a peak of small-Prl was observed, and the pattern of IR-Prl was similar to that of pituitary Prl. Furthermore, the IR-Prl profile was not distinguishable from the hPL fraction, but the IR-Prl and hCG profile were different from each other in the chromatogram of the extracted samples of decidua. So we concluded that the source of the Prl was decidua at least in early gestational stage.

Chorionic Villi↗

PubMed1999

Apoptotic nuclei within the uterine decidua of first trimester pregnancy arise from CD45 positive leukocytes.

PROBLEM: The Fas/Fas-ligand (FasL) system is discussed to be one of the main components responsible for the formation and maintenance of an immune privilege. As we were able to detect FasL on fetal trophoblast cells infiltrating the maternal uterine tissue and Fas on decidual leukocytes (Hammer et al., Am J Reprod Immunol, 1999; 41: 41-51), we investigated whether apoptosis occurs in the maternal decidua during the first trimester of pregnancy. METHOD OF STUDY: A TUNEL-assay was performed in combination with immunofluorescence to detect and characterize cells undergoing apoptosis. RESULTS: Apoptotic nuclei mainly arising from CD45+ leukocytes could be detected in the trophoblast-invaded decidua basalis as well as in the non-invaded decidua parietalis. However, while in the decidua parietalis the apoptotic leukocytes are scattered within the whole functional stroma, in the decidua basalis they are concentrated in the area around the so-called "necrotic foci" and especially in the primary feto-maternal contact zone. where trophoblast cells from the cell columns begin to invade the maternal tissue. CONCLUSION: Because of the irregular distribution of apoptotic CD45+ leukocytes in the decidua basalis we think that some of the maternal leukocytes are activated and killed by fetal trophoblast cells which express FasL.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2001

Tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 mRNA and their protein expression levels in human decidua after early pregnancy termination by mifepristone plus misoprostol.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of prolonged uterine hemorrhage after terminating early pregnancy by mifepristone plus misoprostol. METHODS: Forty-five decidua specimens were obtained from 45 pregnant women with amenorrhea of 6-7 week duration. Fifteen women were treated with mifepristone and 15 were treated with mifepristone plus misoprostol. The remaining 15 served as controls. The tPA and PAI-1 mRNA levels were estimated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Chromogenic assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect tPA activity and PAI-1 protein level in decidua. RESULTS: The activities of tPA in the mifepristone plus misoprostol group and in the mifepristone group were 46.91 +/- 20.74 IU/mg.protein and 64.25 +/- 35.81 IU/mg.protein respectively, lower than those in the normal decidua group (99.76 +/- 58.61 IU/mg.protein, P < 0.05). tPA mRNA levels in the mifepristone plus misoprostol group were the highest (1.43 +/- 0.39) among the groups. In the mifepristone group, tPA mRNA level (0.90 +/- 0.16) was not significantly different from that in the normal decidua group (0.94 +/- 0.17). The protein and mRNA expression levels of PAI-1 were not significantly different among the three groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mifepristone plus misoprostol decreased tPA activity in human early decidua by post-transcription pathways, which may influence decidua shedding, endometrial angiogenesis, endometrial remodeling, and cause prolonged uterine hemorrhage after drug abortion.

Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal↗

PubMed1985

Active suppression of host-vs-graft reaction in pregnant mice. VI. Soluble suppressor activity obtained from decidua of allopregnant mice blocks the response to IL 2.

The mammalian fetus expresses a variety of antigens against which the maternal immune system can react and which in an allogeneic mating bears paternal transplantation antigens. Although these antigens may be expressed on the fetal trophoblast cells that contact maternal uterine decidua, the "fetal allograft" is not usually rejected. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of nonspecific non-thymus-derived suppressor cells in the lymph nodes draining the uterus and in decidua of laboratory mice undergoing first allogeneic pregnancy. These suppressor cells appeared to be small lymphocyte cells that inhibit the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in vitro and in vivo and elaborate a nonspecific non-MHC-restricted soluble suppressor activity when cultured for 48 hours at 37 degrees C in vitro. We now report that soluble suppressor activity obtained from the decidua (DS) of allopregnant C3H/HeJ mice inhibits both the primary and secondary (memory) CTL response in vitro but does not inhibit lysis of target cells by preformed CTL. DS did not suppress the proliferation of YAC lymphoma cells, P-815 cells, or a C3H placental trophoblastoma line. Suppressor activity was obtained from anti-thy-1.2 + complement-resistant cells in the decidua, could also be obtained from the decidua of allopregnant CD1 nu/nu mice, and was associated with a single peak of activity of approximately 100,000 daltons on Sephacryl 200 chromatography. Suppression could not be overcome by adding either crude or HPLC-purified IL 2 to the mixed lymphocyte cultures in vitro, and both crude and column-purified suppressor factor inhibited the IL 2-dependent proliferation of H-Y cells (a cloned T cell line with NK activity). Furthermore, DS inhibited the IL 2-dependent generation of cytotoxic effector cells in vitro in the absence of allogeneic stimulator cells. Thus, a soluble suppressor factor obtained from non-T cells present in the decidua of successfully allopregnant mice could block the response to IL 2 and inhibit the generation of both specific and nonspecific cytotoxic effector cells. The significance of this inhibition with respect to survival of the "fetal allograft" is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1981

Initiation of human parturition. XII. Biosynthesis and metabolism of prostaglandins in human fetal membranes and uterine decidua.

Prostaglandin synthetase activity was assayed in homogenates prepared from human fetal membranes and uterine decidua tissues with [14C] arachidonic acid used as substrate. In amnion, chorion laeve, and decidua vera tissues obtained after the spontaneous onset of labor and vaginal delivery the mean specific activities of prostaglandin synthetase were respectively 1.47, 0.53, and 0.39 nmoles x hr-1 x gm-1 tissue; in these same tissues obtained at elective cesarean section before the onset of labor the mean specific activities of prostaglandin synthetase were respectively 0.61, 0.33, and 0.28. The specific activity of prostaglandin synthetase of amnion (but not chorion laeve or decidua vera) was significantly greater in samples obtained after labor than in those obtained before labor (p less than 0.02). Prostaglandin synthesis in amnion, chorion laeve, and decidua vera was inhibited by acetylsalicylic acid and by indomethacin. Prostaglandin E2 was formed in amnion and chorion laeve, whereas prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2 alpha were formed in decidua vera. The activity of NAD+ -dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase was also assayed and the specific activities of this enzyme in chorion laeve and decidua vera tissues obtained before and after labor were high, whereas 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase activity in amnion was low.

Amnion↗

PubMed1981

[Studies on the prolactin releasing activity of Decidua in early pregnancy in vitro (author's transl)].

This study was conducted to examine the release of immunoreactive prolactin (IR-PRL) in vitro by 14 cases of decidual obtained from women with 6 to 13 weeks of gestation. 1) The dilution curve of IR-PRL released from the decidua was parallel to the pituitary standard PRL. 2) A highly significant rise of IR-PRL during the incubation of the decidua was found. In decidua of 11-13 weeks of gestation, the summarised IR-PRL level during 90 minutes was the highest, viz. 359.4 +/- 87.4 ng/0.1 g wet weight. 3) The villi showed scarcely any IR-PRL release, and the accumulated IR-PRL level was 2.4% of the decidual incubation value. Little IR-PRL release was found in the incubation of endometrium of luteal phase. 4) The temperature and pH of the medium influenced the IR-PRL release, but dopamine, bromocriptine and somatostatin had no effects on the PRL releasing activity of the decidua. 5) According to the gel filtration, the elution pattern of IR-PRL released from the decidua was similar to that of the amniotic fluid rather than that of the maternal plasma. From the above results, we suggested that the decidua was the original source of the PRL released in the amniotic fluid.

Chorionic Villi↗

PubMed1994

Angiogenic activity of human villi and decidua in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Angiogenic activity in the extracts of human villi and decidua in the first trimester of pregnancy was examined using chorioallantoic membrance assay. Blood vessel density on the chorioallantoic membrane increased greatly with the addition of villi extract, and slightly by decidua extract. Neovascularization with a spoke wheel appearance was induced by both villi and decidua, and this response pattern by the villi was stronger than that by the decidua. Maternal serum did not induce any vascular response. These results suggested that angiogenic activity was present both in the villi and decidua in the first trimester of pregnancy and that the villi activity was stronger than the decidua.

Blood Vessels↗

PubMed1995

Synthesis and metabolism of oxytocin in late gestation in human decidua.

Several studies in the past few years have supported the hypothesis that oxytocin (OT) is synthesized in a paracrine system within the pregnant human uterus and that this paracrine system may be an important regulator of the timing of human parturition. Using ribonuclease protection assays, we have demonstrated a three-fold increase in the rate of synthesis of OT mRNA in human decidua around the time of parturition. We also have shown that a similar increase in OT mRNA and peptide synthesis can be stimulated in vitro by physiological concentrations of estradiol. This increase is inhibited by concomitant use of the estrogen receptor (ER) blocker tamoxifen or by transcription inhibitors. Progesterone had little, if any effect. We also detected mRNAs for ER and progesterone receptor (PR) in amnion, chorion and decidua with the same relative tissue concentrations as OT mRNA. The concentrations of ER but not PR increased significantly around the time of labour onset. To determine if local OT concentrations may be regulated by changes in OT metabolism, we determined kinetic parameters for OT metabolism in decidua, chorion and placenta. [3H]tyrosyl-OT was used as substrate. Metabolites were separated using HPLC and identified using amino acid analysis and mass spectrometry. Metabolism in decidua and chorion occurred predominantly via a cytosolic post-proline endopeptidase and the activity was comparable to placenta. In microsomal fractions, cystine aminopeptidase activity predominated and placenta had significantly more activity than decidua and chorion. There were no changes in any Km or apparent vmax values around the time of parturition. These findings support the existence of a paracrine system within human decidua that involves sex steroids regulating synthesis of OT and that undergoes significant changes around the time of parturition. Changes in local OT concentrations are controlled by rates of synthesis rather than rates of metabolism.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Interaction of mouse ectoplacental cone trophoblast and uterine decidua in vitro.

During the peri-implantation stages of mouse development, the secondary trophoblast invades into the uterine decidua. This uniquely controlled invasive process results in the formation of the placenta. We have analyzed this process in vitro using cultures of decidua and microdissected ectoplacental cones from Day 7 embryos. The results showed that the interaction between these two cell types is comparable to that seen in vivo. Morphologically, the decidua maintained close contact with the spreading trophoblast, limiting its invasion and producing a multilayered trophoblast outgrowth. Attachment to the decidua was not mediated through cell-matrix binding, but the subsequent invasion into the decidua was dependent on normal matrix interactions. Secretion of proteinases by the trophoblast also seemed to be a requirement for successful invasion, but not attachment.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Expression of survivin in early villus and decidua and its implication.

To investigate the expression and implication of survivin protein and mRNA in decidua and villus and the effects of mifepristone on its expression, survivin levels in decidua and villus collected from 15 normal early pregnant women and 15 early pregnant women pretreated with 150 mg mifepristone and 400 micrograms misoprostol were assessed by immuno-histochemical techniques and reverse transcriptional-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our results showed that survivin proteins were stained in the cytoplasm of trophoblasts and decidual cells and in the nuclei of some of the decidual glandular epithelial cells. The expression was strongest in the trophoblasts and decidual glandular epithelial cells. The expression values in the villus and decidua were (14.56 +/- 2.44) and (10.46 +/- 2.81) respectively for normal pregnant and (8.45 +/- 2.08), (7.33 +/- 1.91) for those pretreated with mifepristone respectively (P < 0.05). The transcription of survivin mRNA in villus and decidua of those pretreated with mifepristone decreased significantly compared with those in the normal pregnant women (P < 0.05). It is concluded that survivin can be expressed in the decidua and villus and mifepristone inhibits its mRNA transcription and protein expression, which could possibly be one of the factors inducing decidual and villous apoptosis.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed1986

Prostaglandin E2 9-ketoreductase activity in human decidua vera tissue.

Amnion is believed to be a tissue of central importance in the biochemical processes of parturition. In this tissue, prostaglandin E2 is the near exclusive prostaglandin produced. And although the production of prostaglandin E2 is increased during labor in women, the levels of the major metabolite of prostaglandin E2 in maternal plasma are not elevated; rather, the levels of 13,14-dihydro-15-ketoprostaglandin F2 alpha, the major circulating metabolite of prostaglandin F2 alpha, are increased strikingly. Because of this apparent paradox, we considered the possibility that prostaglandin E2, originating in amnion, chorion laeve, or decidua vera, is converted to prostaglandin F2 alpha in decidua vera by the action of prostaglandin E2-9-ketoreductase. We found that prostaglandin E2 9-ketoreductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of prostaglandin E2 to F2 alpha, is present in cytosolic fractions prepared from homogenates of uterine decidua vera tissue. The specific activity of 9-ketoreductase in cytosolic fractions of decidua of six women varied from 3.2 to 155 pmol X min-1 X mg-1 protein. We also evaluated the conversion of exogenous prostaglandin E2 to F2 alpha in intact human endometrial stromal cells in monolayer culture. We found that prostaglandin E2, added to the culture medium, was converted to prostaglandin F2 alpha by endometrial stromal cells that were maintained in the presence of inhibitors of prostaglandin synthase. The extent of conversion of exogenous prostaglandin E2 to F2 alpha, however, was low relative to the specific activity of prostaglandin E2 9-ketoreductase found in decidual cytosol. These findings are consistent with the possibility that prostaglandin E2 formed in decidua vera tissue may be converted in that tissue to prostaglandin F2 alpha by 9-ketoreductase; on the other hand, prostaglandin E2 formed in contiguous tissues probably is not converted significantly to prostaglandin F2 alpha by decidual 9-ketoreductase.

Cytosol↗

PubMed1989

Inactivation of prostaglandins in human decidua vera (parietalis) tissue: substrate specificity of prostaglandin dehydrogenase.

Prostaglandin dehydrogenase catalyzes the initial reaction in the inactivation of prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha. To address the potential importance of this enzyme in regulating the tissue levels of active prostaglandins, we evaluated the kinetic properties of prostaglandin dehydrogenase in uterine decidua vera tissue of women. Specifically, we characterized the enzyme activity under optimal in vitro conditions in cytosolic fractions of uterine decidua vera tissue obtained at term and compared the substrate and cosubstrate specificities of prostaglandin dehydrogenase in cytosolic fractions of decidual tissues. The incubation conditions were optimized with either prostaglandin E2 or F2 alpha and nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide or nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate as substrates to ensure linearity of product formation with time of incubation and protein concentration. The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide-dependent prostaglandin dehydrogenase for prostaglandin E2 was 5.5 mumol/L. The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent prostaglandin dehydrogenase for prostaglandin F2 alpha was 15 mumol/L. Prostaglandin E2 serves as a better substrate for prostaglandin dehydrogenase than does prostaglandin F2 alpha, irrespective of the cosubstrate. In cytosolic fractions of decidual tissues, the specific activity (apparent Vmax) of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide-dependent prostaglandin dehydrogenase was greater than that of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent prostaglandin dehydrogenase. In addition, we found that in decidual tissue obtained before or after the onset of labor, the specific activity of prostaglandin dehydrogenase varied widely. In tissues obtained after delivery by cesarean section, no significant differences were apparent in the specific activity of the enzyme before (9.3 to 125.8 nmol/min/mg protein) and after (27.8 to 103.4 nmol/min/mg protein) the onset of labor. In cytosolic fractions of decidual tissue obtained after vaginal delivery, the specific activity of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide-dependent prostaglandin dehydrogenase ranged from undetectable levels to 38.4 nmol/min/mg protein. We speculate that nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide-dependent prostaglandin dehydrogenase in decidua serves to regulate the levels of bioactive prostaglandins in decidua vera tissue and the amounts of prostaglandins (and metabolites) produced in decidua or fetal membranes that reach myometrium and fetal membranes and enter maternal blood and amniotic fluid.

Cesarean Section↗

PubMed1989

PGE2-mediated immunosuppression by first trimester human decidual cells blocks activation of maternal leukocytes in the decidua with potential anti-trophoblast activity.

We have earlier shown that first trimester human decidual cells and decidual macrophages suppress T lymphocyte alloreactivity in an MHC-unrestricted manner by secreting PGE2, which blocks the generation of IL-2 receptors (IL-2R) and production of IL-2 by lymphocytes but does not interfere with the interaction between IL-2 and IL-2R or the lytic function of CTL, once generated. The present study examined whether these events constituted a physiological, immunoprotective mechanism in situ against the activation of maternal decidua-infiltrating leukocytes with potential anti-trophoblast cytocidal function. We examined (1) whether there was IL-2R expression, IL-2 production, or anti-trophoblast killer activity in short-term (0-3 day) cultures of collagenase-dispersed first trimester human decidua inclusive of leukocytes; (2) if not, whether any of these parameters could be stimulated in these cultures by blocking PGE2 synthesis with indomethacin, or neutralizing PGE2 with anti-PGE2 antibody; (3) whether exogenously added recombinant IL-2 in the presence or absence of indomethacin stimulated IL-2R expression or anti-trophoblast killer function in these cultures. IL-2R (as defined by Tac antigen) was measured in the whole cell population by a radioimmunoassay and further examined at the cellular level with radioautography. IL-2 production in culture supernatants was measured from the proliferative response (3HTdR uptake) of an IL-2-dependent (CTLL) cell line. Killer activity in fresh or cultured decidua-associated cells as well as PBL of normal or pregnant subjects was measured against 51Cr-labeled targets inclusive of autologous cytotrophoblast cells or long-term human trophoblast cell lines, K562 and Daudi cells. Results revealed a complete absence of IL-2R expression, IL-2 production, or anti-trophoblast killer activity in the untreated cultures of the decidua, but all these parameters were significantly stimulated in the presence of indomethacin or anti-PGE2 antibody. The indomethacin-stimulated killer cells had NK-like activity. Presence of high dose exogenous IL-2 alone in these cultures strongly stimulated IL-2R expression and anti-trophoblast killer function, which were augmented further in the additional presence of indomethacin. The resultant killer cells had LAK cell-like activity. These findings suggest that PGE2 secretion by first trimester human decidual cells blocks activation of maternal leukocytes in the decidua with potential anti-trophoblast killer function, by inhibiting IL-2 receptor generation and IL-2 production in situ.

Cytotoxicity, Immunologic↗