bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amniochorion: Immunologic Aspects—A Review
Authors: HUNT JOAN S. , FISHBACK JAMES L.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Exploration of trophoblast cell gene expression may assist in elucidating the mechanisms responsible for allowing genetically disparate maternal and fetal cells to coexist during pregnancy. In the extraplacental membranes, chorionic cytotrophoblast cells are in direct contact with maternal cells. In theory, paternally derived major histocompatibility antigens (HLA) expressed by the chorion cells should stimulate a graft rejection response by the mother, yet there is no evidence for lymphocytic infiltration of the membranes. The results of recent in situ hybridization, Northern blotting, and other molecular studies suggest that failure of maternal immune cells to attack the membranes may be due to the ability of chorion cells selectively to transcribe class I HLA genes and/or to process the products of those genes differently from other types of cells. Inasmuch as some tumor cells exhibit patterns of class I HLA that are similar to those of trophoblast cells, regulation of class I HLA expression may be a general mechanism used by cells expressing non‐self antigens (paternally derived HLA, tumor‐specific antigens) to establish residency in host tissues.
Macrophages in Human Uteroplacental Tissues: A Review
Authors: HUNT JOAN S.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Macrophages are major cellular components of the uterus, the placenta, and the extra‐placental membranes throughout pregnancy. Many macrophages in normal uteroplacental tissues are in an activated state as evidenced by their expression of class II major histocompatibility antigens. Activated macrophages are capable of synthesizing and releasing an impressive array of potent “monokines” and other molecules with dramatic effects on receptive cells. Macrophage activation levels can be further enhanced by exposure to either endotoxin from gram‐negative organisms or to interferon‐gamma from stimulated lymphocytes. Since prostaglandin E2 is one of the products of activated macrophages and can stimulate contraction of smooth muscle, macrophages may be responsible in part for the induction of preterm labor in cases of infection. Thus, understanding the conditions of uncomplicated pregnancy as well as the consequences of local infections requires exploration of the temporal, spatial, and functional characteristics of macrophages residing in uteroplacental tissues.
Evaluation of Circulating Anti‐Sperm Antibodies in Fertile and Patient Populations
Authors: CRITSER J.K. , VILLINES P.M. , COULAM C.B. , CRITSER E.S.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Several reports have demonstrated the presence of anti‐sperm antibodies (ASA) in infertile populations; however there is a paucity of information regarding ASA in fertile populations. The purpose of this study was to establish objective criteria for the interpretation of the Immuno‐bead Binding Test (IBT) based on values obtained from fertile individuals. Sera from 20 fertile couples (n = 40) were assayed by using a modification of the IBT previously described by Clarke et al. An initial lower limit of binding for positivity (lower limit) of 14% was used based upon the mean value for each isotype plus 2 standard deviations (SD) of 4 negative control sera assayed 4 to 7 times each. One‐way ANOVA or chi‐square analyses were used to analyze these data. There was no difference in percent immunobead binding between males and females in the fertile population (P > 0.1); therefore the data were pooled. Percent binding for fertile controls was: IgG, 21.7 + 31.9% (mean + SD); IgA, 19.5 + 25.8%; IgM, 16.9 + 14.9%. Initial analysis indicated no significant difference (P > 0.10) in percent binding between fertile and infertile individuals. The corresponding frequency of positive values (for at least one isotype) using a 14% lower limit was 23/40 (57.5%). This was not significantly different (P > 0.1) from the frequency observed in the patient population (140/ 242, 57.8%). New lower limits of positivity for each isotype were established based upon the mean plus 2 SD from the fertile control data: IgG, 85.4%; IgA, 71.1%; IgM, 46.7%. The frequencies of positive values obtained by using these criteria were not different (P > 0.1) between fertile and patient populations (20.0 vs. 18.7%, respectively). In addition, neither the number of beads bound per sperm nor the location of bead binding differed (P > 0.10) between the 2 populations. These data indicate that the frequency of circulating ASA is similar in fertile and infertile populations and suggests that ASA testing may be of questionable clinical significance.
Immunological Role for Seminal Plasma in Insemination and Pregnancy
Authors: THALER CHRISTIAN J.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Insemination confronts the female with paternally derived alloantigens and represents an immunological challenge preceding fertilization and implantation. Current evidence suggests a role for seminal plasma in regulating maternal immunity for insemination and pregnancy. In vitro seminal plasma has been shown to suppress T‐ and B‐cell proliferation, neutrophil and macrophage phagocytic activity, as well as killer cell activity. Seminal plasma interacts with complement components C1 and C3 and contains factors that specifically bind the Fc region of IgG. These in vitro findings suggest possible seminal plasma‐suppressive effects on female alloimmune responses after insemination. Seminal plasma also contains allotypic TLX antigens that could prime mothers prior to fertilization. Such priming effects for pregnancy acceptance are supported by improved implantation rates in controlled clinical trials using timed vaginal exposure to semen during in vitro fertilization or gamete intrafallopian transfer treatment cycles.
Suppression of lnterleukin‐2 Mediated T‐Lymphocyte Blastogenesis by Bovine Uterine Secretions
Authors: SEGERSON EDWARD C. , GUNSETT FIELDS C.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Uterine luminal protein (ULP) secretions collected on day 17 of bovine pregnancy contain high (≥248 kDa)‐ and low (7, 21.0, and ≥72 kDa)‐molecular weight (Mr) components that suppressed incorporation of thymidine into both phytohemagglutinin (PHA)‐stimulated and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2)‐stimulated bovine lymphocytes. The pattern of suppressor activity for ULP was similar for both PHA and IL‐2 cultures. For IL‐2‐treated lymphocytes (2 × 104/culture well), mean percentage of control (no test protein) values for 8 and 32 (xg/ml of high Mr ULP were 94.6% and 4.5%, respectively; whereas, mean values for 8 and 64 μg/ml of combined low Mr ULP components were 51.2% and 5.5%, respectively. The data indicate that specific bovine ULP components may locally affect T‐lymphocyte function by altering some facet of the IL‐2 activation system.
Bioneutralization Capacity of the Antibodies Generated in Women by the Beta Subunit of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (βhCG) and βhCG Associated with the Alpha Subunit of Ovine Luteinizing Hormone Linked to Carriers
Authors: PAL RAHUL , SINGH OM , RAO L.V. , TALWAR G.P.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Data is presented on the bioneutralization capacity per unit immunoactivity of 30 serum samples of women immunized with the β‐sub‐unit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) or βhCG associated noncovalently with the α‐sub‐unit of ovine luteinizing hormone (α‐oLH), to form a heterospecies dimer (HSD), which were linked to carriers. The bioassays utilized were inhibition of radioiodinated hCG binding to rat testicular receptors in vitro and the inhibition of hCG induced testosterone production in mice. In both assays, antisera of women immunized with the HSD had a bioactivity to immunoactivity ratio that was about 25% higher, on an average, than antisera of women immunized with β‐hCG, suggesting a better bioneutralization capacity of sera raised by the HSD in women.
The Lupus Anticoagulant, Anticardiolipin Antibodies, and Recurrent Miscarriage
Authors: TAYLOR M. , CAUCHI M.N. , BUCHANAN R.R.C.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The presence of antibodies to cardiolipin and the lupus anticoagulant were investigated in 189 couples with recurrent abortion. Abnormal coagulation results as measured by an elevation of the APTT or KCT were found in 6% and 7% of patients, respectively; however, the lupus anticoagulant was detected in only 3% of patients. Anticardiolipin antibody levels higher than normal were found in 15% of patients. There was no significant difference between parameters in primary as compared to secondary recurrent aborters or subfertile compared to fertile recurrent aborters. The success of the next pregnancy could not be predicted by any of the laboratory tests.
Result of Immunotherapy on Patients With Unexplained Recurrent Abortion: A Beneficial Treatment for Patients With Negative Blocking Antibodies
Authors: TAKAKUWA KOICHI , GOTO SHIGENORI , HASEGAWA ISAO , UEDA HIROYUKI , KANAZAWA KOJI , TAKEUCHI SHOSHICHI , TANAKA KENICHI
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Thirty‐nine unexplained recurrent aborters underwent vaccination using husband's lymphocytes according to the previously reported protocol. No mixed lymphocyte culture reaction‐blocking antibodies (MLR‐BAbs) were observed in these patients prior to vaccination. Of 35 newly pregnant patients after vaccination(s), pregnancy successfully continued in 28 (80.0%) and have already been terminated with a liveborn offspring. Pregnancy outcome was also analyzed in unexplained recurrent aborters who revealed positive MLR‐BAbs without immunotherapy. In this group, out of eight pregnancies in seven patients, five (62.5%) continued beyond their critical period of 14 wks of gestation. Three infants born from these pregnancies, however, presented severe abnormalities. Furthermore, outcome of 14 pregnancies in 12 unexplained recurrent aborters with negative MLR‐BAbs was analyzed since they had become pregnant without immunotherapy; pregnancy was successfully continued in only four cases (28.6%). Thus, vaccination using husband's lymphocytes on unexplained recurrent aborters with negative MLR‐BAbs is suggested to be effective. In addition, it is suggested that immunotherapy for patients with positive MLR‐BAbs should be carefully followed.
The Detection of Antibodies in Pregnancy: A Comparison of Two Assay Systems
Authors: INNES A. , CUNNINGHAM C. , POWER D.A. , CATTO G.R.D.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: In this study we have compared the ability of two assay systems, erythrocyte antibody rosette inhibition (EAI) and cellular enzyme‐linked immunospecific assay (CELISA) to detect maternal alloantibody activity during pregnancy. Antibody activity to antigens on paternal lymphocytes was present in nine of 23 primigravid sera tested by EAI and in seven of 23 by CELISA. In multiparous sera, antibodies directed to paternal lymphocytes were detected in 11 of 15 individuals by EAI and in six of 15 by CELISA. The techniques correlated significantly when assaying the humoral response in sera from multiparous women. The lack of correlation when assaying primigravid sera suggests that both assays encounter difficulty in detecting the low titres of antibodies present.
Human Seminal Plasma Suppresses the Chemiluminescence of Polymorphonuclears Without Modifying Phagocytosis
Authors: BOUVET JEAN‐PIERRE , D'AZAMBUJA SOLANGE , ROUX CHRISTOPHE , LEBRUN LÉA , PILLOT JACQUES
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The suppressive activity of human seminal plasma was confirmed on the luminol‐amplified chemiluminescent reaction of human polymorphonuclears. This suppression was found to be dose‐dependent and noncytotoxic. The responsible factor appeared to be a radical scavenger of low molecular weight, acting selectively on hydrogen peroxide. Correlation with glandular markers of semen indicated this molecule to have a prostatic origin. Neither crude seminal plasma nor this factor were found to suppress intracellular engulfment and killing of bacteria. This molecule seems to cooperate with the other semen antioxidants to protect sperm cells from extracellular oxygen radicals.
Detection of Early Pregnancy Factor in Fetal Sera
Authors: HOUNG WANG , ZHEN‐QUN ZHENG
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Utilizing rosette inhibition test recommended by Morton et al., (Morton H, Tinneberg HR, Rolfe M, Mettier L. Rosette inhibition test: a multicenter investigation of early pregancy factor in humans, J Reprod Immunol. 1982; 4:251–261) we have examined 44 fetal sera of abortion induced by water bag in the second and third trimester pregnancy, 4 umbilical sera of newborns, and their 48 maternal sera for detecting early pregnancy factor (EPF), which activity was expressed as rosette inhibition titre (RIT). The mean RIT value of EPF in fetal sera was 6.00±0.31 (SD) during 16–17 weeks of gestation, gradually decreased along with gestational weeks. got to 4.25 ±0.25 by term. The mean RITs of EPF activity in maternal sera were 5.86±0.26 and 5.89±0.35 during 5–7 weeks and 18–19 weeks, respectively, decreased afterwards, and then fell into nonpregnant range (RIT: 4.00±0.40) after 31 weeks of gestation. There was a close correlation between RITs of 44 fetal and those of their maternal sera (r = 0.615; P<0.001). The results revealed the presence of EPF in fetal serum during gestation. The significance of EPF distribution and its possible role of immunological regulation on survival of semiallogeneic conceptus have thus been discussed.
Interleukin Production by Human Colostral Cells After In Vitro Mitogen Stimulation
Authors: NIKOLOVA E. , STAYKOVA M. , RAICHEVA D. , KARADJOVA M. , NERONOV A. , IVANOV I. , GORANOV I.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Human colostral cells were pulsed with PHA, Con A, or LPS and cultivated in serum‐free medium. The culture supernatants were tested for IL‐1 activity in C3H/HeJ thymocyte assay and for IL‐2 activity on human lymphoblasts. The IL‐1 activity was the highest at the 24th h of cultivation and IL‐2 activity at the 48th h of cultivation.
Immunization of Male but not Female Mice With the Sperm‐Specific Isozyme of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH‐C4) Impairs Fertilization In Vivo
Authors: MAHI‐BROWN CHERRIE A. , VANDEVOORT CATHERINE A. , MCGUINNESS RYAN P. , OVERSTREET JAMES W. , O'HERN PATRICIA , GOLDBERG ERWIN
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The goals of this study were to determine the site at which fertility is impaired in mice immunized with LDH‐C4 and to determine whether immunization of both males and females would have a greater antifertility effect than immunization of one sex alone. Mice were immunized with LDH‐C4 in two systemic doses in Freund's adjuvants and two gastric doses in bicarbonate buffer. The presence of anti‐LDH‐C4 antibodies in uterine fluid was confirmed. Male and female mice were assigned to four blocks in which either the males, the females, both, or neither were immunized. Oviducts were viewed directly 1 h after mating for the presence of sperm. No significant effect of immunization on sperm transport to the oviduct could be demonstrated. Fertilization was evaluated 4 h after mating. It was found that immunization of males, but not females, impaired fertilization (19.6% versus 50.8% of the oocytes penetrated in 17 and 19 females, respectively). Orchitis was found histologically in 43.8% of the immunized males and 10% of the control males.
Role of Children's Sex in Mixed Mother‐Child Lymphocyte Culture Reactivity
Authors: KOMLOS LUISE , VARDIMON DAVID , NOTMANN JAFFA , ZAMIR RINA , KLEIN TIRZA , LIVNI ELLA , HART JACOB , GOLDMAN JACK , HALBRECHT ISAAC
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: One‐way mixed mother‐child lymphocyte cultures (MMCLC) 4 to 20 years after the last delivery were studied with maternal responding and children's or fathers' stimulating cells (MMFLC) in 14 multiple child families with 18 sons and 20 daughters. HLA antigen typing locus A, B, DR was performed for all family members. As reported previously for newborn cells, a significantly increased maternal response could be observed in MMCLC with male as compared to female children's stimulating cells. Although the number of cases studied was small, it seems that the increased stimulating effect of male children's cells could also be observed when MMCLC values from children of different sex, and identical A,B,DR haplotypes were compared. In contrast to this, A,B,DR haploidentical children of the same sex seem to have a similar stimulating effect on the maternal response in MMCLC. The results suggest that male children's Y‐chromosome‐correlated minor histocompatibility antigens may additionally stimulate the maternal immune response in MMCLC.
Intradecidual T Lymphocytes Lack Immunohistochemically Detectable T‐Cell Receptors
Authors: DIETL JOHANNES , HORNY HANS‐PETER , RUCK PETER , MARZUSCH KLAUS , KAISERLING EDWIN , GRIESSER HENRIK , KABELITZ DIETER
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The decidua apparently plays a major role in immune tolerance to the semiallogeneic embryo. In the present study we applied the immunohistochemical ABC method to investigate the expression of CD3, TCR α/β and TCR γ/δ molecules on intradecidual T cells with a panel of mAbs. Whereas intradecidual T cells expressed readily detectable amounts of CD3, they lacked immunohistochemically detectable amounts of either α/β or γ/δ TCR heterodimers on their cell surface. Peripheral blood smears of the same patients showed normal expression of α/β and gM/δ TCR on CD3 + T cells. The specific absence of (α/β or γ/δ) TCR molecules on the surface of intradecidual T cells could be one of the decisive factors in tolerance of the maternal immune system towards the fetus.
Gene Expression of Macrophage Colony‐Stimulating Factor and its Receptor in Human Placenta and Decidua
Authors: SAJI FUMITAKA , AZUMA CHIHIRO , KIMURA TADASHI , KOYAMA MASAYASU , OHASHI KAZUTOMO , TANIZAWA OSAMU
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF) induces proliferation of monocyte/macrophage progenitor cells and can also activate some functions of mature cells including fetally derived placental cells. To study the role of M‐CSF in the pregnant female reproductive tract, the expression of M‐CSF mRNA and its receptor, c‐fms proto‐oncogene, in human placenta and decidua was identified. M‐CSF and c‐fms mRNAs, 4.7Kb and 3.9Kb respectively, were detected by Northern blotting in the early stage placenta and subsequently increased during pregnancy. These mRNAs were not detected in the nonpregnant endometrium but were strongly induced in maternal decidua with the same mRNA size as in the placenta. Northern blot hybridization on the endometrium of a pseudopregnant uterus revealed that the expression of endometrial M‐CSF and c‐fms mRNAs is regulated by synergistic action of female sex steroid hormones. These findings indicate that, in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner, M‐CSF is deeply involved in the local proliferation and differentiation of cells at the materno‐fetal interface, and support the placental immunotrophism hypothesis.
The Effect of a Progesterone‐Induced Immunologic Blocking Factor on NK‐Mediated Resorption
Authors: SZEKERES‐BARTHO JULIA , KINSKY R. , CHAOUAT G.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Transfer of spleen cells from poly (I)‐poly(C12U)‐treated Balb/c mice to 6.5‐days‐preg‐nant Balb/c mice significantly increased the resorption rate (P<0.01) from 11% to 48%. The supernatant of progesterone‐treated spleen cells from pregnant C3H mice abrogated the effect of spleen cell transfer. We conclude that by blocking NK activity in vivo, the progesterone‐induced blocking factor favors the maintenance of pregnancy.
Binding of Foreign DNA to Mouse Sperm Mediated by its MHC Class II Structure
Authors: WU GUO MAO , NOSE KIYOSHI , MORI ETSUKO , MORI TSUNEATSU
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: By means of radioimmunoassay, the expression of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules on murine sperm cells was clearly demonstrated as well as by our previous enzyme immunoassay (Mori T, et al. The expression of class II major histocompatibility antigen on mouse sperm and its role in fertilization. Am J Reprod Immunol. 1990; 24:9–14). The present study revealed that the site of sperm for binding foreign DNA was mediated by the complex structure of the MHC class II molecules localized at the posterior region of sperm head. This binding activity of sperm was time‐, temperature‐, and viability‐dependent and completely inhibited by the treatment of sperm cells with mouse anti Iak serum, but not with mouse normal serum. Scatchard analysis of this binding activity also showed a single receptor type on sperm cells. These results were directly confirmed morphologically by taking autoradiography of sperm cells binding foreign DNA.
Screening Assays for Immunologic Infertility: A Comparison Study
Authors: KHOO DAISY , FEIGENBAUM SETH L. , MCCLURE R. DALE
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Because the immunobead antisperm antibody test (IBT) is difficult to learn and results are heavily operator‐dependent, we compared findings on IBT with those of SpermMAR and Sperm‐Check in 58 patients to determine whether the latter two tests could demonstrate improved screening ability. Assays performed on both sperm and serum (i.e., direct and indirect) yielded 100% positive predictive values when IBT was used as the standard. Both SpermCheck and SpermMAR are easier to perform, and, as the former has a slightly greater sensitivity, we recommend SpermCheck for the detection of immunologic infertility.
Opinions on Treatment of Women With Habitual Abortion Based on Investigations for Blocking Antibody and Autoantibodies
Authors: UNANDER A. MARGARETA , NORBERG RENEE , ÅRFORS LEOPOLD , ENSKOG ANDERS , HAEGER MAGNUS , LINDHOLM ANNIKA , ROBBINS DAVID , SIÖSTEEN CHRISTER , SÖDERSTRÖM TOMMY , STIGENDAL LENNART , WENNERSTRÖM HELENE
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Three hundred and thirty‐seven women with habitual abortion of unknown etiology were studied for cellular reactivity and blocking antibody in one‐way mixed lymphocyte culture. Their sera were investigated for anti‐cardiolipin antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, and antibodies against DNA, and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and complement levels of their plasma were determined. Increased anti‐cardiolipin antibody levels were demonstrated in 77 (22%) of the 337 women, all of whom were considered healthy and had no signs of autoimmune disease. Most patients with high anti‐cardiolipin antibody levels displayed lowered values of complement factor C4. According to our experiences, the mere occurence of anti‐cardiolipin antibody in women with habitual abortion is no absolute cause for treatment with prednisolone, not even in cases with greatly elevated anti‐cardiolipin values. Therapy with prednisolone and acethylsalicylic acid (ASA) during pregnancy should be given to those women who have high levels of anti‐cardiolipin antibodies concomitant with high APTT values, low values of complement C4, and strong blocking antibody. Anti‐cardiolipin antibody has been investigated during pregnancy in 136 normal pregnant women, 11 of whom (8%) were positive at any sampling occasion, but only one of whom (1%) had high levels. Evidently the development of anti‐cardiolipin antibody is no normal feature of pregnancy among Swedish women and thus the high frequency found among healthy Swedish women with habitual abortion remains unexplained. We have introduced an immunization program of leukocyte transfusions in habitual abortion. The development of previously absent blocking antibody seems to be a valuable prognostic sign of possible success for immunization therapy against habitual abortion.
Mouse Model for the Treatment of Immune Pregnancy Loss
Authors: TODER V. , STRASSBURGER D. , CARP H. , IRLIN I.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Spontaneous abortions can be associated with preimplantation embryo loss, implantation problems and a variety of postimplantation pregnancy failures. The long list of possible causes for the postimplantation pregnancy loss includes, among others, genetic abnormalities in fetus, anatomical abnormalities of the uterus, endocrinological insufficiency, and microbiological problems. However, more than 50% of recurrent miscarriages still have no recognized causes. The concept that many such abortions may be immunologically mediated has gained increasing support over the years. Moreover, immunization of such women with husband's or third party leukocytes has resulted in more than 70% of subsequent pregnancies resulting in live births. Since neither the mechanisms leading to pregnancy loss nor the success of immunotherapy are clear, the set‐up of animal models for recurrent abortions would be of supreme significance. Our recent data show that immunopotentiation of maternal immune system by Complete Freund Adjuvant significantly improves pregnancy rate in CBA × DBA/2 mouse combination with high percentage of fetal resorptions. This effect is followed by decrease of IL 2 production in spleen; increase of MAC 1‐positive cells at placenta; amplification of suppressive activity of local and systemic lymphocytes and by reverse of embryotoxic effect of maternal serum. Data obtained in this model seems to be valuable in substantiation of rationale for nonspecific immunotherapy of human abortions.
The Predominance of lgG1 and lgG3 Subclass Antisperm Antibodies in Infertile Patients with Serum Antisperm Antibodies
Authors: HAAS GILBERT G. , D'CRUZ OSMOND J.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAb) specific for each of the four human IgG subclasses and immunofluorescence flow cytometry were used to evaluate the subclass of the IgG antibody response to sperm in serum samples from 13 men and 6 women with a high titer (> 1:15,625) of IgG antisperm antibodies (ASA)) determined by an indirect immunobead test. Five sera without ASA were also studied as a control. All 19 (100%) of the ASA‐positive sera contained immunoglobulin (Ig)G ASA of the IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses. A 1:1 correlation was observed between the presence of IgG1 and IgG3 ASA. IgG2 was essentially undetectable, while IgG4 reactivity, although less intense than IgG1 and IgG3, was more prominent in the sera from the five vasectomized men. The ability of the IgG1 and IgG3 ASA‐positive sera to deposit complement (C) on sperm was demonstrated by the concomitant binding to antibody‐laden sperm of polyclonal antibodies to the membrane attack complex (C5b‐9) of C. Both C‐fixing and non‐C‐fixing ASA‐positive sera were found to possess IgG1 and IgG3 antisperm antibodies. The predominance of IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses suggested a T‐cell dependent immune response to sperm antigens.
Sulfated Glycoprotein‐2 Induced Endogenous Resistance to Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in the Seminiferous Tubules
Authors: LEIBOVITCH ILAN , BUTTYAN RALPH
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Evidence of increased resistance of Sertoli cells to ischemia and reperfusion injury was presented by numerous histological, morphological, and quantitative studies. In situ hybridization techniques and immunocytochemical studies demonstrated intense expression of sulfated glycoprotein‐2 (SGP‐2) in Sertoli cells. We propose that protective effects of SGP‐2 are the core of the differential tolerance of ischemia by the various testicular cells and the morphology of the postischemic testis. We believe that suppression of ischemic damage selectively in Sertoli cells is the consequence of the ability to produce SGP‐2, an endogenous inhibitor of ischemic injury. This hypothetical function of SGP‐2 is supported by its immunosuppressive properties and its structural and functional identity to several types of human complement cytolysis inhibitors.
HLA‐DR and DQ Antigens and Anticardiolipin Antibodies in Women With Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions
Authors: TRABACE SIMONETTA , NICOTRA MARIA , CAPPELLACCI SANDRA , MORELLINI MARINA , MUTTINELLI CLAUDIA , SBRACIA MARCO , DI PRIMA MARIA ANNA , MASALA CESARE
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: IgG anticardiolipin antibodies (ACL) have been shown to occur in a high proportion of women with repeated unexplained miscarriages. Forty‐nine women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA), previously assayed for the presence of ACL by an enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay, were typed for HLA‐DR and DQ antigens by the classical microlymphocytotoxicity test. Twenty‐five women were positive for ACL and 24 were negative. HLA‐DR7 was found in 24.5% of 49 habitually aborting women vs. 28% of healthy controls; but the DR7 frequency was 40% in ACL positive patients vs. 8.3% in ACL negative patients (P = 0.011). These results show that in the Italian population an association between HLA‐DR7 antigen and ACL is present in women with unexplained RSA, suggesting that HLA‐DR genes might control the susceptibility to specific autoantibody production.
Pregnancy Is Associated With a Reduction in the Pattern of the Cytotoxic Activity Displayed by Lymphokine‐Activated Killer Cells
Authors: SALMÉRON OCTAVIO J. , VAQUER SANTIAGO , SALMERÓN ISABEL , MOLTÓ LUIS , LAPEÑA PILAR , MANZANO LUIS , HEROS JUAN IGNACIO ALVAREZ DE LAS , ALVAREZ‐MON MELCHOR
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Several modifications in the homeostasis of the maternal immune system have been implicated in the survival of the fetoplacental graft. We have investigated the adaptive response of the cytotoxic nonmajor histocompatibility complex (MHC) ‐restricted effector lymphocytes in pregnancy, and have found that the spontaneous lytic activity against both natural killer (NK)‐sensitive and NK‐resistant target cells is either decreased or lacking in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) from pregnant women. Recombinant interleukin‐2 (rIL‐2) normalizes the cytotoxic activity of PBMNC from pregnant women against NK‐sensitive target cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, without modification in the normal amounts of HNK‐1+, CD16+ (Leu 11), or CD11b+ (OKM‐1) present in these effector populations. However, the pattern of lytic activity against NK‐resistant target cells found in PBMNC from pregnant women after short‐ and long‐term incubation with rIL‐2 was reduced in comparison with that observed in PBMNC from nongravid women in similar conditions. Moreover, rIL‐2 incubation of PBMNC from pregnant subjects was not associated with an enhancement of the lytic binding against NK‐resistant target cells. These findings demonstrate that pregnancy is not only associated with a reduction in the NK lytic activity of PBMNC, but also with a reduction in the generation of lymphokine‐activated killer activity, in terms of the pattern of lytic activity developed.
Peritoneal Fluid lnterleukin‐1β and Tumor Necrosis Factor in Patients With Benign Gynecologic Disease
Authors: MORI HIDEHIRO , SAWAIRI MIHO , NAKAGAWA MIKI , ITOH NAOKI , WADA KEISUKE , TAMAYA TERUHIKO
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The levels of interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in peritoneal fluid (PF‐IL‐1β and PF‐TNF) and production of IL‐1β and TNF by peritoneal macrophages were determined in patients with benign gynecologic disease. The level of PF‐IL‐1β was elevated in the acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and stages I and II endometriosis (E I/II) groups compared with the normal pelvis group, but not in the myoma of the uterus, ovarian cyst, and postinflammatory pelvic adhesion groups. The level of PF‐TNF was elevated in the PID, EI/II and stages III and IV endometriosis (EIII/IV) groups. There was no correlation between the levels of PF‐IL‐β and PF‐TNF. Neither the level of PF‐IL‐β nor that of PF‐TNF was correlated with the concentration of peritoneal macrophages. Peritoneal macrophages produced IL‐1β and TNF in vitro in the absence of stimulants. The levels of PF‐IL‐1β and PF‐TNF are presumably linked to the activation of peritoneal macrophages.
Predictors of Pregnancy Success in Repeated Miscarriage
Authors: CAUCHI M.N. , PEPPERELL R. , KLOSS M. , LIM D.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Factors that may have a bearing on subsequent pregnancy success or failure in patients with recurrent abortion were examined in 165 women with a history of three or more consecutive miscarriages in the first trimester. The overall success rate was 67.9%. Factors that were found to correlate significantly with success rate were length of abortion history, total number of abortions, interval from last miscarriage to present pregnancy, and whether there was any degree of subfertility. Logistic regression analysis showed that the abortion × years index and maternal age accounted for all the variation observed in our data. Where all other known causes of abortions are excluded, recurrent aborters can be subdivided into two populations—namely, those with a relatively good prognosis characterized by a short abortion history and absence of subfertility problems, compared to those with a poor prognosis namely those with a long abortion history or presence of subfertility problems. These data clearly demonstrate major differences in success rates in women depending on the number of abortions and the length of abortion history (abortion × year index), particularly in women over the age of 30 years.
Study on Nonspecific Immunity in Pregnant Women: II. Effect of Hormones on Chemiluminescence Response of Peripheral Blood Phagocytes
Authors: SHIBUYA TAKAHIRO , IZUCHI KUNIO , KUROIWA ATARU , HARADA HIROYUKI , KUMAMOTO ARIHIRO , SHIRAKAWA KOICHI
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: To analyze the mechanisms of increased nonspecific immunity in pregnant women, the effect of various hormones on the phagocytic activity was estimated by a luminol‐dependent chemiluminescence (CL) response during phagocytosing opsonized zymosan. The CL response of whole blood supplemented with exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) increased significantly in all the male and female subjects and pregnant women. An approximate two‐ to fourfold increase was observed in comparison with the unsupplemented control in each subject at concentrations ranging from 1 to 1,000 IU/ml after 48 h of incubation (P < 0.05). Progesterone slightly stimulated the CL response in female subjects only, but had no effect on male and pregnant women. Estradiol (E2) did not stimulate the CL response in any subject.

The expression of Fc and C3b receptors on the surface of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) in pregnant women was also investigated by measuring the immunofluorescence stained with monoclonal antibody to Fc and C3b receptors, respectively. The relative numbers of Fc receptors increased significantly in the third trimester compared to those of female control (P < 0.05). Those of C3b receptor also increased in the second and third trimester (P < 0.005).

These results suggested that the nonspecific immunity represented by phagocytic activity in pregnant women increased with both oxidative metabolic responsiveness and the expression of membrane receptors. Besides, the increased phagocytic activity of the maternal host is probably due to the stimulatory effect of both endogenous and exogenous hCG on their peripheral blood phagocytes.
Long‐Term Follow‐up of Children Born to Women Immunized With Tetanus Toxoid During Pregnancy
Authors: GILL THOMAS J. , KARASIC RAYMOND B. , ANTONCIC JANET , RABIN BRUCE S.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Ten years after transplacental immunization with tetanus toxoid, the antibody responses of the immunized children to a booster immunization with 5 Lf tetanus toxoid did not differ from those of the control children. The tetanus toxoid‐stimulated lymphocyte proliferative responses showed that there was no tolerance to tetanus toxoid induced by transplacental immunization, and the stimulation indices suggested that there may be some long‐term memory for tetanus toxoid among the T lymphocytes in children who had been transplacentally immunized by maternal immunization with a standard dose of tetanus toxoid.
Detection of Sperm Antibodies on Unwashed Spermatozoa With the Immunobead Test: A Comparison of Results With the Routine Method and Seminal Plasma TAT Titers and SCMC Test
Authors: MENKVELD R. , KRUGER T.F. , KOTZE T.J.v.W. , WINDT M‐L. , PRETORIUS E.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: This study investigated whether the immunobead test (IBT) could, for the purposes of simplicity and saving time, be applied directly on an unwashed semen sample instead of washed spermatozoa. These two methods were performed simultaneously on the semen samples of 15 men with a positive MAR test and 10 men with a negative MAR test. A possible association was found between the unwashed samples, showing positive IB binding (>20%) on the tail and/or head and the seminal plasma TAT titers (P < .00001, Fisher's exact test). In all cases with IB binding of ≥20% on unwashed spermatozoa, positive seminal plasma TAT titers (≥32) and SCMC tests (≥50%) were found.

In all cases where the binding of the beads was mainly located on the tailtips of the washed or unwashed spermatozoa, negative seminal plasma TAT titers and SCMC tests were found. Coating of the head and/or upper tail regions in both methods was always associated with high TAT titers and a strong‐positive SCMC test.

It is concluded that the IBT for IgA, but not for IgG, can be performed directly on unwashed semen and that the position of IB binding on the spermatozoa is of prognostic importance with regard to the expected outcome of the SCMC test and seminal plasma TAT titers.
Cytoskeletal Proteins in Chronic Villitis of Unestablished Etiology
Authors: LABARRERE CARLOS A.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Cytoskeletal proteins (i.e., cytokeratins, vimentin, actin, and desmin) are normally present in the placental chorionic villi and are related to the maintenance of the villous shape, and to the ability of the villi to contract and permit a normal blood flow. In areas of villitis of unestablished etiology, the normal reactivity of these proteins in the villous core around fetal stem vessels disappears, and an increased number of cytokeratin positive cells is identified. The vascular damage in stem villi with villitis could develop ischemia in the villous tree promoting cytotrophoblast proliferation. Increased numbers of these areas could be related with the appearance of abnormal pregnancies.
Proto‐Oncogenes in Development and Cancer
Authors: TORRY DONALD S. , COOPER GEOFFREY M.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Although analogies are often made comparing development to cancer, there is of course a major difference. Normal development requires complex patterns of rigidly controlled cell proliferation and differentiation. In contrast, cancer represents the pathological condition that results when normal cell growth patterns are uncoupled from their regulatory influences. Genetic studies of RNA tumor viruses have provided insights into the relationships and differences of the genes responsible for normal development and cancer. The presence of discrete genes (oncogenes) within the genome of oncogenic retroviruses is responsible for their tumor‐igenic potential. Molecular genetic studies have found that normal eukaryotic cells possess genes that are quite homologous to the retroviral oncogenes. These normal cellular genes (proto‐oncogenes) are involved in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation. However, if mutated, proto‐oncogenes have the potential for inducing neoplastic transformation. The conversion of a proto‐oncogene to an oncogene is called activation. Proto‐oncogenes can become activated by a variety of genetic mechanisms including transduction, insertional mutagenesis, amplification, point mutations, and chromosomal translocations. In each instance the genetic aberration results in a proto‐oncogene that is now free of its normal regulatory constraints. Such deregulation of function imparts a distinct growth advantage to the cell.
Protection by Human Serum from the Immunosuppression Induced by Spermine in Vitro
Authors: QUAN CANH P. , D'AZAMBUJA SOLANGE , PILLOT JACQUES , BOUVET JEAN‐PIERRE
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The in vitro suppressive activity of spermine to PHA‐induced proliferation of human T lymphocytes is shown to be abolished by normal human serum. This protection acts within the first 4 hr of culture and is due to a protein of 67 kDa, showing an isoelectric charge of pH 4.9. This protein does not bind, or modify, spermine and does not inhibit spermine oxidase activity, an enzyme required for the in vitro suppression. Results with acrolein confirm that this eventual cleavage product is probably not involved in the spermine‐induced suppression. Nevertheless, since serum also reduces acrolein‐induced suppression, it is probable that both these protective mechanisms are related. Such a protection of T lymphocytes by a serum factor may play an important role by preventing diffusion, outside the genital tract area, of a potential spermine‐induced immunosuppression.
Antisperm Antibodies on Epididymal Spermatozoa
Authors: MEINERTZ HELLE , LINNET LARS , WOLF HANS , HJORT TAGE
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Still under debate is the location in the genital tract where antisperm antibodies transuded from serum and locally produced antibodies, respectively, become attached to the surface of the spermatozoa. The mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR) for immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA, and locally produced secretory IgA (sIgA) could be carried out on motile spermatozoa from epididymis from 13 of 34 men undergoing vasovasostomy. Four months and one year after the operation the MAR was repeated on a fresh semen sample from all patients. It was found that transuded as well as locally produced antisperm antibodies were bound to spermatozoa at the epididymal level of the genital tract. The follow‐up results on semen were almost identical to the results obtained with epididymal spermatozoa.
Quantitative and Qualitative Changes in Blood Leukocytes in the Porcine Ovary
Authors: STANDAERT FRANK E. , ZAMORA CESARIO S. , CHEW BOON P.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The distribution of blood leukocytes in the preovulatory follicle (PO) and in the corpus luteum (CL) of the pig was studied by light microscopy. The number of macrophages increased in the freshly luteinized follicle, decreased subsequently in the developing and mature CL, and then increased again in the regressing CL. However, the relative proportion of macrophages as a percent of total blood leukocytes present did not change throughout the cycle. The increase in the number of lymphocytes was the greatest increase after ovulation as compared to all the other blood leukocytes observed. Even though the number of lymphocytes decreased thereafter, their numbers expressed as a percent of total blood leukocyte number remained high in the developing and mature CL. Eosinophils were the most prominent blood cell type present in thecal tissue of PO and in the regressing CL. In other stages of the CL, few eosinophils were observed. Neutrophil numbers remained moderate and unchanged throughout most of the estrous cycle except in the regressing CL, where the number of neutrophils was slightly increased. Low numbers of plasma cells were observed in all structures studied and no significant changes due to stage were apparent. The distribution of lymphocytes in the corpus hemorrhagicum (CH) and eosinophils in the regressing CL was different in different regions of the ovarian structure. In summary, blood leukocytes, most notably macrophages, lymphocytes and eosinophils, differentially migrate into specific structures of the ovary at specific stages of the estrous cycle of the pig. The possible involvement of these blood leukocytes in the modulation of ovarian events is discussed.
Porcine Lymphocytes Secrete a Bioactive and Immunoreactive LH‐like Factor in Response to LHRH and Concanavalin A
Authors: STANDAERT FRANK E. , CHEW BOON P. , WONG TERI S. , MICHAL JENNIFER J.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Lymphocyte conditioned medium (CM) was prepared by incubating 0 (cell‐free control) or 4 × 106 lymphocytes/ml in serum‐supplemented RPMI containing 0, 10−9, 10−7, and 10−5 M luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), 10−5 M LHRH antagonist (LHRHA), or 10−7 M LHRH + 10−5 M LHRHA. Treatments were applied with and without 10 μg/ml concanavalin A (con A), and media were analyzed for LH. Aliquots of the CM from cultures incubated for 48 h were later applied to porcine granulosa cell cultures (suspended to 1.25 × 105 cells in 450 μl). Thereafter, 50 μl of CM were added to granulosa cell cultures. Media were collected after 12, 24, and 48 h and progesterone determined. Immunoreactive LH increased with time of incubation in lymphocyte CM but not cell‐free CM. LH content of lymphocyte CM increased as LHRH concentration increased. LHRHA significantly reduced the amount of LH measured. The presence of con A in the medium resulted in maximal concentrations of LH, irrespective of dose of LHRH or LHRHA. Cell‐free CM containing LHRH, LHRHA, and/or con A did not affect progesterone production by granulosa cells at any of the time periods. Lymphocyte CM containing LHRH caused a dose‐dependent increase in progesterone production at 48 h. This stimulation was blocked by lymphocyte CM containing LHRHA. Lymphocyte CM containing con A also stimulated progesterone production at all of the LHRH concentrations studied. This response was not inhibited by lymphocyte CM containing the LHRHA. Therefore, LHRH and con A stimulate porcine lymphocytes to produce a factor that resembles LH and that stimulates progesterone production by granulosa cells in vitro. The stimulation due to con A appears to be nonspecific while that of LHRH is a specific and dose‐dependent response.
A Possible Mechanism of Immunotherapy for Patients With Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions
Authors: SUGI TOSHITAKA , MAKINO TSUNEHISA , MARUYAMA TETSUO , KIM WOO KYOON , IIZUKA RIHACHI
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The mechanism of the beneficial effect of immunotherapy for human reproductive wastage remains to be elucidated. Induction of blocking antibodies such as anti‐HLA class II antibodies and anti‐idiotypic antibodies was investigated as the mechanism of specific immunosuppression in pregnancy. We reported the changes in the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), T‐cell subsets, and generation of anti‐idiotypic antibodies after immunotherapy compared to before immunotherapy. MLR was significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited after the immunization. The mean inhibition rate was 50.2%, suggesting that MLR blocking antibodies were induced by immunotherapy. Binding of autoantibodies to alloactivated maternal lymphoblasts against the paternal lymphocytes was detected in postimmunization cases in two‐color flow‐cytometric experiments. This suggests that anti‐idiotypic antibodies were induced by the immunotherapy. The percentage of cytotoxic T‐cells was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) and the percentage of suppressor T‐cells was significantly increased (P < 0.01) after the immunotherapy, suggesting that a cell‐mediated immune response was induced by the immunotherapy.
A Study of Interferon‐γ and Interleukin‐2 Production in Premature Neonates and Neonates with Intrauterine Growth Retardation
Authors: SAITO SHIGERU , KATO YUMIKO , MARUYAMA MASAYO , ICHIJO MOTOHIKO
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Mononuclear cells from aborted fetuses, preterm infants, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) fetuses, and mature infants were stimulated with OK432 and PHA to study their effect on the production of interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), respectively. IFN‐γ production was reduced in the mature delivery group, while its production in preterm delivery and IUGR groups was markedly reduced compared to those in adults and the mature delivery group. Reduced IFN‐γ production in preterm delivery and IUGR groups was attributable neither to a decrease in T‐cells nor to enhanced sensitivity of T‐cells to prostaglandins. Unlike IFN‐γ production, IL‐2 production in preterm delivery groups was higher than that in adults; its production in the IUGR group was comparable to that in adults. In addition, both IFN‐γ and IL‐2 production in premature delivery cases was enhanced when these cases were exposed to the stress of infection.