bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Follow‐up Study of Immunoglobulin Levels and Autobodies in an Unselected Pregnant Population
Authors: Ailus Kirsi T. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: To obtain a systematic view of changes in the levels of immunoglobulins (Igs), other serum proteins, and autoantibodies during pregnancy and postpartum.METHOD: A series of 220 women were followed throughout pregnancy and four to six months postpartum.RESULTS: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration clearly decreased toward term. The concentrations of IgM and IgA decreased only slightly. In most instances autoantibody levels paralleled changes in the corresponding immunoglobulin class levels. In few cases, however, there were clear deviations from this. With respect to IgG class autoantibodies, the highest autoantibody levels were found in the postpartum specimen. IgM class autoantbody levels remained almost constant throughout the follow‐up period.CONCLUSIONS: The intrapregnancy decrease of IgG is mainly due to hemodilution, but when the effect of hemodilution is taken into account, total amounts of IgM and IgA are increased. The results suggests that compared to IgG the regulatory mechanisms of IgM and IgA are altered during pregnancy.
Cytotoxic Cells Directed Against Placental Cells Detected In Human Habitual Abortions by an In Vitro Terminal Labeling Assay
Authors: Yokoyama Motofumi , Sano Masatoshi , Sonoda Kenzo , Nozaki Masahiro , Nakamura Gen‐Ichi , Nakano Hitoo 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: From the clinical point of view, it has been proposed that an immunological imbalance between the mother and the fetus might exist in one of the mechanisms for human habitual abortion. However, in the definition of habitual abortion, we have no distinct immunological criteria for this clinical entity at the moment.METHOD: We employed aborted placental cells as the target cells in an in vitro terminal labeling (IVTL) assay system, in which the cytotoxic activity of maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) against the placental cell was examined.RESULTS: Our results showed that the cytotoxic activity of maternal PBMCs was significantly higher in the habitual aborters (the mean target cell destruction: %TCD = 34.9%, N = 14) than that in the women with a normal first trimester (the mean %TCD = 8.9%, N= 14, P<.01). The results from the IVTL assay did not correlate with other assays using paternal lymphocytes as the target cells. The surface marker analyses revealed that CD16+ cells, CD14 + cells, and CD5+ cells were involved in the cytotoxic response against the placental cells in various degrees among the cases.CONCLUSIONS: The above evidence suggests that a variety of cytotoxic cells participate in the phenomenon of human habitual abortion.
Steroid Sex Hormones and Macrophage Function: Modulation of Reactive Oxygen Intermediates and Nitrite Release
Authors: Chao Tzu‐Chieh , Alten Pierson J. Van , Walter Robert J. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: In general, females have a more active immune response than do males. The effects of female sex hormones on lymphocytes have been studied extensively but their effects on macrophages are poorly understood.METHOD: In this study, peritoneal macrophages (M0) obtained from male rats were treated in vitro with estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (TS), or hydrocortisone (HC) and their effects on superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and nitrite release determined.RESULTS: At concentrations between 10−10 and 10−9 M, female and male sex hormones had no significant effect on superoxide release but, at concentrations above or below that range, these hormones stimulated the release of these reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). In contrast, M0 treated with HC generally exhibited either unaltered or reduced ROI release.CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that female sex hormones regulate ROI release by Mø in a manner not entirely shared by other steroid hormones. At most concentrations used, E2, P, TS, and HC significantly inhibited nitrite release by Mø. However, with 10−10 M of E2 or 10−9M of P, nitrite release by Mø was not affected. In the presence of anti‐TNF antibody, the amounts of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide release were moderately reduced but nitrite release was dramatically inhibited. The sensitivity of Mø to variations in the concentrations of female sex hormones may contribute to gender‐related differences in the immune response.
The Effects of Sera From Women With Spontaneous Abortions on the In Vitro Development of Early Somite Stage Rat Embryos
Authors: Abir Ronit , Ornoy Asher , Hur Hertzel Ben , Jaffe Perhija , Pinus Helena 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Spontaneous abortions occur in 40 to 50% of pregnancies, but the causes for some abortions, especially those that are recurrent (spontaneous), are still unknown.METHOD: Following previous studies that demonstrated embryotoxic effects of sera from women with spontaneous abortions in preimplantation mouse embryos, we cultured 10.5‐day‐old rat embryos in sera from women after spontaneous abortions to look for specific teratogenic effects.RESULTS: About 50% of the embryos cultured in sera from women after spontaneous abortions were malformed, as compared to 19.1 and 27.1% malformations in embryos cultured in sera from women after a normal delivery and during a normal second trimester of pregnancy, respectively. We divided the sera from women who had spontaneous abortions into high‐risk, and low‐risk sera. In the high‐risk sera from one abortion, we found 74.2% malformed embryos and in the high‐risk group from two or more abortions this rate was 81.0%. This is compared to a rate of 17.1 and 10.3% in the low‐risk sera, respectively. We have also found lower DNA and protein synthesis in the embryos cultured in high‐risk sera compared to those cultured in low‐risk and control sera. Transmission electron microscopy examination of yolk sacs cultured in high risk sera showed ultrastructural damage as represented by a lower number of microvilli and a higher number of inclusions in the entodermal cells when compared to controls. Amino acid chromatography of the serum and the concentrations of folic acid and zinc were similar in control and high‐risk sera.CONCLUSION: It seems that the majority of sera from women with unexplained spontaneous abortions are teratogenic to rat embryos in culture. In about two‐thirds of these sera the teratogenic factor(s) seem to be present in the IgG fraction.
Association Between Familial Autoimmune Diseases and Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions
Authors: Shelton Andrea J. , Harger James H. , Dorman Janice S. , Kuller Lewis H. , Laporte Ronald E. , Gill Thomas J. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: To examine the aggregation of autoimmune diseases in the families of women experiencing recurrent spontaneous abortions.METHOD: The 95 participants in this case‐control study were recruited from Magee Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from June 1988 to May 1991. The women having recurrent spontaneous abortions (N = 45) reported at least three early fetal losses, and the controls (N = 50) reported a minimum of three pregnancies with at least two live births and no more than one induced or involuntary pregnancy loss. Data from the participants and from their first‐degree and second‐degree relatives were obtained by questionnaire and verified by a repeated interview, if necessary.RESULTS: The prevalence of arthritis, thyroid disease, and diabetes mellitus was increased among the relatives of women having recurrent spontaneous abortions compared to normally fertile couples. Several autoimmune diseases occurred concurrently in family members of patients, but not in the family members of normally fertile couples.CONCLUSIONS: Autoimmune diseases occur more frequently in the families of women who have experienced recurrent spontaneous abortions. Both types of diseases involve genes in the class II region of the major histocompatibility complex.
Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) on Cultured Human Endometrial Stromal Cells and Its Role in the Interaction With Natural Killers
Authors: Viganó Paola , Pardi Ruggero , Magri Barbara , Busacca Mauro , Blasio Anna Maria Di , Vignali Mario 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Recent evidence emphasizes the role of natural killer cells (NKs) as potential effectors of peritoneal immune surveillance directed against the outgrowth of endometrial cells, refluxed with menstrual debris, in ectopic sites. This NK‐mediated cytotoxicity toward autologous endometrial antigens seems to be significantly decreased in endometriosis patients.METHOD: We set up experiments to clarify which molecules are involved in NK‐endome‐trial cell interaction. In particular, we evaluated the surface expression and functional activity of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), a cell surface glycoprotein that has been identified as one of the ligands for lymphocyte function‐associated antigen‐1 (LFA‐1), present on almost all leucocyte cell types. Immunofluorescence flow cytometry was used to assess ICAM‐1 expression on resting and IL 1β‐activated endometrial stromal cells in culture. Dermal fibroblasts were used as control cells. Cytotoxicity and binding assays by 51Cr release in presence and absence of a specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) against ICAM‐1 were then performed in order to determine the effect of this molecule on NK‐mediated cytotoxic and binding activity toward endometrial stromal cells.RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that ICAM‐1 expression on endometrial stromal cells seems to be constitutively higher than on dermal fibroblasts and can be up‐regulated upon exposure to IL 1β. Furthermore, a mAb against ICAM‐1 strongly inhibits the binding but not the cytotoxicity of NKs toward endometrial cells. No difference in the expression of this molecule was observed throughout the cycle.CONCLUSIONS: The presence of ICAM‐1 on human endometrium might relate to the action of the immunocompetent cells in human specific reproductive events.
Immunosuppression by Hydatidiform Mole Trophoblast Is Neutralized by Monoclonal Antibodies to β‐Interferon
Authors: Bennett William A. , Brackin Martha N. , Long Cecil A. , Cowan Bryan D. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: In sheep and cattle, trophoblast‐derived interferons serve as signals for the maternal recognition of pregnancy and may regulate the immunologic relationship between the fetus and mother.METHOD: In this study, soluble extracts prepared from human hydatidiform mole decidua (DE) and trophoblast (HME) were screened for immunosuppressive activity using an interleukin (IL)‐2‐dependent T‐cell line (CTLL2). Antibody neutralization studies were performed with monoclonal antibodies to α‐ and β‐interferon (IFN).RESULTS: HME suppressed (P < 0.05) IL‐2‐stimulated (2 IU/well) CTLL2 proliferation at doses ranging from 500 (52 ± 2% of control) to 100 (74 ± 5%) μg/ml concentrations. DE also suppressed (P < 0.05) CTLL2 proliferation in a dose‐related fashion from 500 (20 ± 6% of control) to 100 (71 ± 8%) μg/ml doses. Preincubation with the α‐ and β‐IFN antibody preparations had no effect on CTLL2 suppression by the DE sample. In contrast, the β‐IFN antibody partially neutralized the suppressive activity of HME at each of the dilutions tested. The monoclonal antibody to α‐IFN failed to neutralize HME suppression at any of the doses tested.CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that hydatidiform mole trophoblast produces a β‐IFN‐like macromolecule that may abrogate maternal rejection responses that are harmful to the developing fetal allograft.
I. Organ Culture of Amniochorionic Membrane In Vitro
Authors: Fortunato Stephen J. , Menon Ramkumar , Swan Kenneth F. , Lyden Timothy W. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: The purpose of the study was to develop a novel method of amniochorionic membrane culture aimed at maintaining tissue integrity.METHOD: Amniochorionic membranes were collected from women prior to labor, undergoing elective cesarean section, with no history of infection or pregnancy related complication. Fetal membranes were maintained in culture for up to ten days. Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), a “house keeping” gene and inflammatory cytokine mRNA was detected by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) at various periods of culture. mRNA localization was performed by in situ hybridization.RESULTS: GAPDH gene expression was seen throughout the culture period. Inflammatory cytokine mRNA (IL‐1α, IL‐1β and IL‐6) were also detected during culture. Cellular and tissue morphology appeared normal.CONCLUSIONS: The culture technique we propose is a simple organ explant system which maintains the morphology and autocrine/paracrine relationships within this tissue.
II. Expression of TNF‐α and TNFR p55 in Cultured Amniochorion
Authors: Fortunato Stephen J. , Menon Ramkumar , Swan Kenneth F. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Preterm labor and PROM are major complications of pregnancy. We have reported the possible role of amniochorionic membrane as it relates to the production of cytokines and the early onset of labor. Amniochorion is capable of responding to an infectious process with the production of IL‐6 and IL‐1β. Here we examine the expression of TNF‐α and TNFR in amniochorion.METHOD: Amniochorionic membranes were collected and maintained in an organ explant system. Samples were frozen and/or fixed for RT‐PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunocytochemistry.RESULTS: RT‐PCR demonstrated mRNA for TNF‐α and in situ hybridization localized mRNA in chorion and amnion. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated TNF‐α peptide in amnion but not in chorion. Immunocytochemical localization of TNFR indicates presence of that peptide in both amnion and chorion.CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the fetal membranes are sources of TNF‐α and TNFR, supporting our previous work indicating that fetal membranes are active participants in the response to intraamniotic infection.
Decay‐Accelerating Factor Is Expressed in the Human Endometrium and May Serve as the Attachment Ligand for Dr Pili of Escherichia coli
Authors: Kaul Anil , Nowicki Bogdan J. , Martens Mark G. , Goluszko Pawel , Hart Audrey , Nagamani Manubai , Kumar Dhruv , Pham Tuan Q. , Nowicki Stella 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: We evaluated the hypothesis that different tissue substructures in uteri may express decay accelerating factor (DAF), a complement regulatory protein that also may serve as ligand for bacterial attachment.METHOD: Purified Dr pili, anti‐Dr pili IgG, anti‐DAF (SCR‐3) IgG, and fluoresceinisothiocyanate‐conjugated secondary IgG were used for binding and inhibition experiments. RESULT: We observed staining of endometrial glands, spiral arterioles, and myometrial arteries with Dr adhesin (pili) and anti‐DAF (SCR‐3) IgG, and found variation in distribution and amount of Dr ligands in different individuals. Anti‐DAF (SCR‐3) IgG blocked the binding of Dr pili to the endometrium.CONCLUSION: Presence of DAF in endometrium may protect tissues from complement‐induced damage. Differences between individuals in DAF density in the endometrium may affect sensitivity to attachment of Dr‐bearing E. coli and/or complement activation.
The Presence of Cytomegalovirus Antigens in Karyotyped Abortions
Authors: Lijnschoten Gesina van , Stals Frans , Evers Johannes L.H. , Bruggeman Catharina A. , Havenith Michael H. , Geraedts Joseph P.M. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: About one out of six pregnancies ends in spontaneous abortion before the 17th week. In more than half of these a chromosome abnormality is present, which explains the abortion. The role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in early pregnancy failure is unclear. If there is a role for CMV, a preponderance of infections would be expected in a chromosomally normal group.METHOD: The significance of CMV in abortions has been studied by screening 80 spontaneous and nine induced abortions with known karyotype for the presence of phosphoprotein pp65, an early CMV antigen. Also, endometrial biopsies (n = 55) and menstruum (n = 10) were screened. In 11 patients more than one specimen was available for study. RESULT: The protein was present in the glandular epithelium of the decidua of spontaneous as well as induced abortions in 31 of 89 (35%) cases, irrespective of chromosomal constitution. Trophoblastic cells were pp65 positive in 6/89 cases. A total of 17 embryos could be studied, seven of which were positive. Positive staining of embryonic organs correlated strongly with the presence of the antigen in the decidua. The endometrial biopsies and menstrual discharges from women of comparable ages showed the same percentages of positive tests for pp65: 35 and 20%. Histologically positive and negative specimens could not be differentiated other than by the specific staining. In 10 of 11 patients with more than one specimen available, the results were consistent. One patient had two positive and one negative specimen.CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that in early pregnancy cytomegalovirus is transmitted from the decidual glands to the foetus. However, we have not found indications that the presence of cytomegalovirus infection as shown by the presence of antigen is pathogenic for early pregnancy.
Decreased Beta‐Carotene Levels in Exfoliated Vaginal Epithelial Cells in Women With Vaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Mikhail Magdy S. , Palan Prabhudas R. , Basu Jayasri , Anyaegbunam Akolisa , Romney Seymour L. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Women are more susceptible to vaginal candidiasis when the host immune response is suppressed. The antioxidant nutrient beta‐carotene is postulated to possess immunoenhancing properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate beta‐carotene concentrations in exfoliated vaginal epithelial (EVE) cells in women with vaginal candidiasis.METHODS: Beta‐carotene levels in EVE cells, collected by a saline lavage technique from 22 women with vaginal candidiasis and 20 normal controls, were analyzed. The diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis was established by the presence of pruritus, white cheesy vaginal discharge, and a positive potassium hydroxide preparation. Beta‐carotene levels were assayed using high pressure liquid chromatography.RESULTS: Vaginal cell concentrations of beta‐carotene were significantly decreased in women with vaginal candidiasis (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Decreased beta‐carotene levels, and possibly other antioxidants, may alter the local immune response resulting in disturbances in the vaginal flora, overgrowth of Candida, and the development of vaginal candidiasis.
Expression of Complement Regulatory Proteins on Human Eggs and Preimplantation Embryos
Authors: FENICHEL PATRICK , DONZEAU MICHELE , CERVONI FLORENCE , MENEZO YVES , HSI BAE‐LI 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: To investigate the relation between the complement system and reproduction, expression of complement regulatory proteins (C3b receptors and inhibitor of the membrane attack complex) were screened on unfixed human eggs and preimplantation embryos.METHODS: Unfixed unfertilized oocytes and preimplantation embryos obtained from an in vitro fertilization program were stained by indirect immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies raised against membrane cofactor protein, (MCP or CD46), decay accelerating factor (DAF or CD55), protectin (CD59), human C3b/C4b receptor (CR1 or CD35), and major histocompatibility complex class I antigen (MHC class I).RESULTS: CD55 and CD59 were both expressed by the plasma membrane of unfertilized oocytes and pre‐implantation embryos. CD46 was not expressed by unfertilized oocytes but appeared at the 6‐to‐8 cell stage embryo when human gene expression first occurs. CD35 and MHC class I antigens were not expressed at all on oocytes and preimplantation embryos.CONCLUSIONS: Selective expression of complement regulatory proteins (DAF and protectin) associated with the lack of MHC class I antigens may represent an immune protective mechanism by which human oocytes and preimplantation embryos escape complement‐mediated damage during their travel through the female genital tract. Furthermore, participation of these complement regulatory proteins including MCP in cell to cell interaction during fertilization and/or implantation cannot be excluded.
Validation of an Embryotoxicity Assay
Authors: ROUSSEV ROUMEN G. , STERN J. JAROSLAV , THORSELL LILLI P. , THOMASON EDWARD J. , COULAM CAROLYN B. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Culture of mouse blastocysts has served as a tool for identifying various embryotoxic factors in human serum. While inactivated, sera from recurrently aborting women inhibit mouse blastocyst development in vitro. Variation in results from individual serum samples has limited the usefulness of this assay in establishing a new classification of idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA).METHOD: Two‐cell embryos were collected from superovulated mated CB6F1/J mice and cultured in Ham's F‐10 media supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) or tested human serum at 37°C with 5% CO2 and high humidity. Each sample was assayed in triplicate using three mice with at least five embryos from the same mouse per dish. Development was evaluated at 72 h and the frequency of atretic embryos was recorded.RESULTS: Intrasample (interassay) variation yielded a coefficient of variation of 9%. When repeated, samples from a given individual were evaluated and the coefficient of variation was 8.7%. Interoperator variability was 4% interassay and 2% intraassay. Atresia of embryos was 23% when incubated with FBS (N=122), 21% in FC (N=122), and in the sera of patients with RSA 34.6% (N=95). Results of percentage of atresia from the fertile control group had a nonparametric distribution. Using 2.2 multiples of the median to determine the 95% confidence interval, a threshold at 44.0% of atresia was established.CONCLUSIONS: The critical step in maintaining low variability in this bioassay is to control mouse variability by averaging the percentage atresia from different mice as embryo donors for each tested serum. A subgroup of 24% (23/95) RSA patients who displayed embryotoxic activity was identified with a specificity of 95% and positive predictive value of 83%, P=0.001.
Isolation of Decidual Lymphocytes From Chorionic Villus Samples: Phenotypic Analysis and Growth in Vitro
Authors: HAYNES MARK K. , FLANAGAN MAUREEN T. , PERUSSIA BICE , JACKSON LAIRD G. , SMITH J. BRUCE 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: Giemsa stained cell isolates prepared from chorionic villus samples (CVS) contain granulated cells morphologically similar to large granular lymphocytes.METHOD: Phenotypic characterization of these cellular isolates by two‐color immunofluorescence and subsequent in vitro culture in the presence of recombinant interleukin‐2 (rIL‐2) were done in order to determine whether CVS could serve as a source of decidual lymphocytes.RESULTS: A major fraction of the CVS‐derived lymphocytes were characterized as decidual NK cells, exhibiting high levels of CD56 expression (CD56+bright), without concomitant expression of CD16. The T cell population present in CVS‐derived lymphocytes contained both CD4+ and CD8+ cells in a ratio somewhat reduced compared to that found in peripheral blood. While both T cells and CD56+bright cells from CVS proliferate in vitro in response to rIL‐2 alone, preferential growth of CD56+bnghtcells was accomplished using a selective culture technique wherein co‐culture with an irradiated, B lymphoblastoid cell line promoted the growth of CD56+ cells.CONCLUSION: CVS contains decidual NK cells and T cells that proliferate in response to rIL‐2 and/or third party stimulator cells. These culture techniques will allow investigations into the maturation and/or activation of decidual NK cells and T cells.