bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Placental Transport of Maternal Immunoglobulin G in Pregnancies at Risk of Rh (D) Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn
Authors: Palfi Miodrag , Hildén Jan‐Olof , Gottvall Tomas , Selbing Anders 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The following questions were addressed: Is the placental transport of immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgG1, and IgG3 diminished in pregnancies at risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn? Is the placental transport of IgG, IgG1, and IgG3 correlated with the hemoglobin concentration in the fetus and AutoAnalyzer (AA) quantitations of maternal anti‐D?METHOD OF STUDY: IgG concentrations were determined retrospectively in 41 paired fetal/maternal (f/m) samples in 31 Rh (D) alloimmunized pregnancies. IgG1 and IgG3 concentrations were determined in those 23 cases in which the results of fetal hemoglobin concentration and quantitations of maternal anti‐D were available. The results were compared with values found in normal pregnancy and correlated with maternal anti‐D AA quantitations and fetal hemoglobin concentrations.RESULTS: Fetal IgG, IgG1, and IgG3 concentrations, and the corresponding fetomaternal ratios in Rh (D) alloimmunized pregnancies, increased with gestational age according to the following formulas (obtained by simple regression): Fetal IgG = −8.846 + 0.491.gestational age (GA), (R2 = 0.544); fetal IgG1 = −10.021 + 0.46GA, (R2 = 0.463); fetal IgG3 = −0.865 + 0.039GA, (R2 = 0.327); f/m IgG = −1.006 + 0.054−GA, (R2 = 0.557); f/m IgG1 = −1.876 + 0.085GA, (R2 = 0.654); f/m IgG3 = −0.199 + 0.026GA, (R2 = 0.146).CONCLUSIONS: The placental transport of IgG, IgG1, and IgG3 in women with Rh (D) immunizations is not diminished compared with normal pregnancy. However, AA quantitations of anti‐D are inversely correlated with f/m IgG ratio, f/m IgG1 ratio, and fetal IgG and IgG1 concentrations (P = 0.002, P = 0.004, P = 0.02, and P = 0.02 respectively).The placental transport of IgG3 is significantly higher in pregnancies at risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn compared with IgG3 concentrations in normal pregnancy.
Fas and Fas‐Ligand Are Expressed in the Uteroplacental Unit of First‐Trimester Pregnancy
Authors: Hammer Astrid , Blaschitz Astrid , Daxböck Christine , Walcher Wolfgang , Dohr Gottfried 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Fas and Fas‐ligand (FasL) are thought to provide a strategy for reducing graft rejection in immunologically ‘privileged’ tissues by controlling injurious lymphocyte reactions. As the uteroplacental unit is often defined as an immune‐privileged site, we investigated the expression of Fas and FasL in this tissue in the first trimester of pregnancy.METHOD OF STUDY: Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and double immunofluorescence were used for this examination.RESULTS: Western blotting with purified first‐trimester trophoblast cells revealed one specific band for FasL. The presence of FasL on different trophoblast populations could be confirmed by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence. In the villous part of the placenta, FasL is mostly located on cytotrophoblast cells with no access to maternal blood flow, whereas in trophoblast‐invaded uterine tissue, interstitial trophoblast cells, which are in close contact with maternal leukocytes, revealed a strong signal for FasL, but no staining for Fas on these cells. However, Fas was found on CD45+ maternal leukocytes.CONCLUSION: Based on our experimental findings, we speculate that the abundant presence of FasL on trophoblast cells within the maternal decidua may play an important role in the maintenance of immune privilege in the pregnant uterus by endowing fetal trophoblast cells with a defense mechanism against activated maternal leukocytes, whereas in the villous part of the placenta, the Fas/FasL system seems to be involved in the regulation of placental growth.
First‐Trimester Human Chorionic Villi Express Both Immunoregulatory and Inflammatory Cytokines: A Role for Interleukin‐10 in Regulating the Cytokine Network of Pregnancy
Authors: Bennett William A. , LagooDeenadayalan S. , Whitworth N.S. , Stopple J.A. , Barber W.H. , Hale E. , Brackin M.N. , Cowan B.D. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: T‐helper 2 (TH2)‐type cytokines [i.e., interleukin (IL)‐6. IL‐10, and IL‐13] and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β are expressed by the murine decidua and/or placenta and are likely to suppress inflammatory cytokine [i.e., IL‐2, interferon (IFN)‐γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, IL‐1α, and IL‐1β] production at the maternal‐fetal interface. In addition, class I IFNs may protect the fetus from immunologic rejection and viral infections. This study examines the expression of inflammatory/immunoregulatory cytokines and IL‐10 production by first‐trimester chorionic villi.METHOD OF STUDY: Gestational tissues (n ? 5) were obtained following elective terminations performed between 7 and 9 weeks of gestation. Chorionic villous tissues were separated from fetal membranes and decidua, and total RNA was extracted. Cytokine expression was assessed by a reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction technique. Chorionic villi (n = 9; 6–12 weeks gestation) were maintained in organ culture, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and IL‐10 levels were determined by immunoradiometric and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, respectively.RESULTS: IFN‐γ and IL‐2 were generally not expressed by first‐trimester chorionic villi. Low to moderate levels of expression were noted for IL‐1α, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α. High levels of mRNA were noted for IFN‐α and IFN‐β, but IFN‐τ was not expressed. In all tissues. TGF‐β1 and IL‐13 were either weakly expressed or not expressed. In contrast, moderate to high levels of IL‐6 and IL‐10 mRNA were detected in each chorionic villous sample. In chorionic villous explants obtained at 6–11 weeks gestation, production of hCG and IL‐10 was greatest during the first 24 hr ([hCG] ? 6961 ± 815 mIU/mL, [IL‐10] = 92 ± 11 pg/mL) and then declined through 72 hr.CONCLUSIONS: TH1‐type cytokines (IL‐2, IFN‐γ) are not expressed by first‐trimester chorionic villous tissues: This is possibly due to local production of IL‐10. In contrast, macrophage‐associated cytokines (IL‐1β and TNF‐α) are expressed and their regulation may be critical for fetal survival. Finally, class I IFNs expressed by early chorionic tissues may protect the fetus from maternal rejection and viral transmission.
Immunoglobulins of the Human Amniotic Fluid
Authors: Quan Canh P. , Forestier François , Bouvet Jean‐Pierre 
Published: September 2011

Quan CP, Forestier F, Bouvet J‐P. Immunoglobulins of the human amniotic fluid. AJRI 1999; 42:219–225 © Munksgaard, CopenhagenPROBLEM: Except for the description of a secretory immunoglobulin (S‐Ig) of a low size, no recent study has investigated the molecular status of antibodies in the human amniotic fluid.METHOD: After separation with a high performance chromatography, we analyzed the different isotypes of amniotic Igs by immunoblotting and ELISA.RESULTS: IgG is found to be the major isotype and to contain mother‐derived tetanus antitoxins. IgA is much less abundant, whereas no IgM can be detected. IgA is monomeric, with a low level of secretory IgA and with various amounts of free secretory component (SC). The presence of a low level of SC‐containing immunoglobulin of a low size is confirmed during the last trimester of pregnancy. This molecule contains no α chain but includes a Fabγ fragment noncovalently associated with SC. IgG, IgA, and SC are detected in the fetal urine and, therefore, can reach the amniotic fluid by this route.CONLUSION: In addition to the predominant maternal IgG, the amniotic fluid contains different molecular forms of fetal immunoglobulins. Their function as an immune barrier against infection and against mother‐derived autoantibodies is discussed.
Fetal Treatment of Congenital Heart Block Ascribed to Anti‐SSA Antibody: Case Reports with Observation of Cardiohemodynamics and Review of the Literature
Authors: Yamada Hideto , Kato Emi H. , Ebina Yasuhiko , Moriwaki Masashi , Yamamoto Ritsu , Furuta Itsuko , Fujimoto Seiichiro 
Published: September 2011

Yamada H, Kato EH, Ebina Y, Moriwaki M, Yamamoto R, Furuta I and Fujimoto S. Fetal treatment of congenital heart block ascribed to anti‐SSA antibody: case reports with observation of cardiohemodynamics and review of the literature. AJRI 1999; 42:226–232 © Munksgaard, CopenhagenPROBLEM: Maternal anti‐SSA(B) antibody crosses the placenta and causes fetal myocarditis, congenital heart block (CHB), hydrops fetalis, and intrauterine fetal death. The aim of this study was to evaluate corticosteroids' efficacy as a treatment for CHB.METHOD OF STUDY: One fetus with complete CHB and one fetus with incomplete CHB due to anti‐SSA(B) antibody received maternal prednisolone (PSL) and dexamethasone (DEXA) treatments. Heart rate, cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), left ventricular fractional shortening (FS), and preload index (PLI) were longitudinally measured by serial fetal echocardiograms.RESULTS: In the former case, after maternal PSL/DEXA administration, improvement of cardiohemodynamics, i. e., the reduction of PLI from 1.7 to 0.4, CTR from 70 to 52%, and FS from 63 to 54% were observed. In the latter case, second degree 2:1 block was converted to 3:2 block/sinus rhythm, resulting in the increase of the fetal heart rate from 65 to 116 beats per minute (bpm).CONCLUSIONS: We disclosed for the first time the beneficial effects of corticosteroids in the fetal cardiohemodynamics and conduction system of affected fetuses with the presence of maternal anti‐SSA(B) antibodies.
Distribution of Th1, Th2, and Th0 and the Th1/Th2 Cell Ratios in Human Peripheral and Endometrial T Cells
Authors: Saito S. , Tsukaguchi N. , Hasegawa T. , Michimata T. , Tsuda H. , Narita N. 
Published: September 2011

Saito S, Tsukaguchi N, Hasegawa T, Michimata T, Tsuda H, Narita N. Distribution of Th1, Th2, and Th0 and the Th1/Th2 cell ratios in human peripheral and endometrial T cells. AJRI 1999; 42:240–245 © Munksgaard, CopenhagenPROBLEM: To examine whether normal pregnancy involves type 2 T‐helper (Th2) immune condition or not.METHOD OF STUDY: We measured the percentage of Th0, Th1, and Th2 and the Th1/Th2 cell ratios of human peripheral blood and endometrial T cells using flow cytometry, which can analyze both the surface marker CD3, and intracellular cytokines, interleukin 4 (IL‐4) and interferon γ (IFNγ).RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the percentages of Th1, Th2, and Th0 and the Th1/Th2 cell ratios in the peripheral blood T cells of nonpregnant women and women in early pregnancy. On the other hand, the percentage of Th1 cells was highest during the proliferative phase of the endometrium, followed by the secretory phase and early pregnancy decidua. The percentage of Th2 cells was highest in early pregnancy decidua and lowest during the proliferative phase of the endometrium. The Th1/Th2 ratio was 147.48 ± 96.68 during the proliferative phase of the endometrium, 37.74 ± 21.33 during the secretory phase, and 1.31 ± 0.48 in the early pregnancy decidua.CONCLUSIONS. These data indicate that Th1 cells predominate in the nonpregnant endometrium, especially during the proliferative phase, while Th2 cells predominate in early pregnancy decidua.
Spontaneous Accumulation of Eosinophils and Macrophages Throughout the Stroma of the Epididymis and Vas Deferens in Alymphoplasia (aly) Mutant Mice: I. A Histological Study
Authors: Itoh Masahiro , Miyamoto Kensaku , Ooga Takuji , Iwahashi Kazuhiko , Takeuchi Yoshiki 
Published: September 2011

Itoh M, Miyamoto K, Ooga T, Iwahashi K, Takeuchi Y. Spontaneous accumulation of eosinophils and macrophages throughout the stroma of the epididymis and vas deferens in alymphoplasia (aly) mutant mice: I. A histological study. AJRI 1999; 42:246–253 © Munksgaard, CopenhagenPROBLEM: The alymphoplasia (aly) mutation of mice causes the systemic absence of lymph nodes and Peyer's patches. Histopathological analysis has revealed that lymphocytes accumulate in some organs such as the salivary glands, lungs, kidneys, liver, and pancreas of homozygotes (aly/aly) but not heterozygotes (aly/+). However, the presence of lymphocytic accumulation in male reproductive tissues of aly/aly mice has not been reported.METHOD OF STUDY: The male reproductive organs of homozygous aly/aly, heterozygous aly/+, and other immunodeficient mice bred in a specific pathogen‐free state were histologically investigated.RESULTS: Testes, ductuli efferentes, prostates, coagulating glands, and seminal vesicles of homozygous aly/aly mice were free from any pathological accumulation of leukocytes. However, their epididymides and vasa deferentia exhibited massive infiltration by leukocytes, which were composed of eosinophils and macrophages. In all homozygotes examined, both eosinophils and macrophages were extensively observed throughout the stroma of the epididymis and vas deferens, but never within the epithelium or lumen of the ducts, with no parenchymal tissue damage. The accumulation of eosinophils was never found in nonreproductive organs. In aly/+ heterozygous mice and other immunodeficient mice, no pathological accumulation of leukocytes were noted.CONCLUSIONS: The accumulation of eosinophils and macrophages is specific to the epididymides and vasa deferentia of immunodeficient aly/aly homozygotes, although the pathogenesis remains unknown.
Novel Hyperactive Mitogen to Endothelial Cells: Human Decidual NKG5
Authors: Langer Noga , Beach Dvora , Lindenbaum Ella S. 
Published: September 2011

Langer N, Beach D, Lindenbaum ES. Novel hyperactive mitogen to endothelial cells: human decidual NKG5. AJRI 1999; 42:263–272 © Munksgaard, CopenhagenPROBLEM: The purpose of this study was the isolation and characterization of decidual extract proteins that exhibit mitogenicity on endothelial cells.METHOD OF STUDY: A partially purified extract (F1 fraction) was obtained from human decidua of the first trimester of pregnancy. F1 was separated by heparin‐sepharose column and showed significant mitogenicity on bovine brain capillary endothelial (BBCE) cells in vitro, using methylene blue stain nuclear assay. Sodium‐dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) revealed four fractions with MW less than 30 KDa.RESULTS: Mitogenic fraction, E11–12 (eluted at 1.5 M NaCl) was identified as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and acidic (a)FGF were not identified as one of the mitogenic fractions. However, fractions E5–6 and E7–8 induced statistically significant mitogenicity at concentration of 1 pg/mL, which is 103 times lower than bFGF. Sequencing of E5–6 fraction identified NKG5 protein, a putative secreted polypeptide derived from human natural killer (NK) cells and activated T cells of unknown function.CONCLUSION: This work demonstrates that NKG5 stimulates mitogenicity of endothelial cells and may be involved in angiogenesis.
Natural Killer Cell Activity and Cytokine Production after In Vitro Immunoglobulin Treatment of Lymphocytes Derived from Pregnant Women with or without Risk for Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Szereday L. , Späth P. , Szekeres‐Bartho J. 
Published: September 2011

Szereday L, Späth P, Szekeres‐Bartho J. Natural killer cell activity and cytokine production after in vitro immunoglobulin treatment of lymphocytes derived from pregnant women with or without risk for spontaneous abortion. AJRI 1999; 42:282–287 © Munksgaard, CopenhagenOBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible mechanism of action effective in immunoglobulin G (IgG) treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). The effect in vitro of a commercially available intravenous immunoglobulin (IvIg) on the rate of interleukin (IL)‐10 and IL‐12 positive cells (Th1/Th2 balance) and on natural killer (NK) cell activity in populations of peripheral lymphocytes of healthy pregnant women and women at risk for premature pregnancy termination was studied. Primary habitual aborters as well as women showing clinical symptoms (bleeding or regular uterine contractions) of threatened premature pregnancy termination were included.METHODS: Lymphocytes of 20 pregnant women were tested. Five different batches of an IvIg with reported immunomodulatory potential were used at a concentration of 10 mg/mL. Cytokine profiles of the lymphocytes were determined by immunocytochemistry. For testing of NK cell activity, the 4 hr single cell cytotoxicity assay was used.RESULTS: Incubation with IgG of lymphocytes from recurrent spontaneous aborters concomitantly and significantly decreased the rate of IL‐12 positive cells (P < 0.01) and increased the rate of IL‐10 positive cells (P < 0.01), whereas such treatment had no significant effect on lymphocytes of pregnant women not at risk of abortion. Dialysis or heat treatment (56°C, 30 min) of the IgG preparations did not modify the effect. Elevated NK cell activity of women at risk for premature pregnancy termination significantly decreased after IgG incubation of cells in all cases, whereas NK cell activity of normal pregnancy lymphocytes was not altered.CONCLUSION: This study suggests that incubation of peripheral lymphocytes from RSA patients with polyclonal polyspecific IgG alters cytokine profiles and NK activity while the same treatment does not affect lymphocytes of healthy pregnant women. These data might add to the understanding of mechanisms of action of IvIg in prevention of recurrent pregnancy loss.
The Possible Role of Antiovary Antibodies in Repeated In Vitro Fertilization Failures
Authors: Geva Eli , Fait Gideon , Lerner‐Geva Liat , Lessing Joseph B. , Swartz Tamar , Wolman Igal , Daniel Yair , Amit Ami 
Published: September 2011

Geva E, Fait G, Lerner‐Geva L, Lessing JB, Swart: T, Wolman I, Daniel Y, Amit A. The possible role of antiovary antibodies in repeated in vitro fertilization failures. AJRI 1999; 42:292–296 © Munksgaard, CopenhagenPROBLEM: The study was conducted to investigate the possible role of circulating ovarian autoantibodies (ov‐ab) in patients with repeated in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer (IVF‐ET) failure and to evaluate the effectiveness of immunosuppression treatment in these patients.METHOD OF STUDY: The study group comprised 80 IVF patients who had five or more failed treatment cycles (mean 10.2; range 7–22). The presence of ov‐ab was compared between these women and 1) 50 IVF patients who conceived during the first three treatment cycles; 2) 50 healthy nulligravidae. All participants were seronegative to nonorgan‐specific and antithyroid autoantibodies. Patients in the study group who were positive for ov‐ab were treated with 10 mg/day prednisone starting 1 month before ovulation induction. Embryo grading was compared in the IVF cycles before and after treatment.RESULTS: Ov‐ab were found in ten patients (12.5%) in the study group, compared to none in the control groups (P = 0.01). Nine of the patients positive for ov‐ab were treated with prednisone for their following cycle. A statistically significant improvement in embryo grading was noted. Three patients conceived after treatment (33%), with a take‐home baby rate of 22%, compared to only six patients (8.6%) who conceived among the rest of the seronegative study group, with a take‐home baby rate of 7.1% (P = 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Ov‐ab are a possible marker of an autoimmune disorder that may be one of the causes of repeated IVF failures. Immunosuppression treatment may prove efficient in ov‐ab seropositive patients with repeated IVF failures by improving embryo grading and pregnancy rate.
The Expression of Granulocyte Macrophage‐Colony Stimulating Factor (GM‐CSF) and Receptors in Human Endometrium*
Authors: Zhao Yong , Chegini Nasser 
Published: September 2011

Zhao Y, Chegini N. The expression of granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and receptors in human endometrium. AJRI 1999; 42:303–311 © Munksgaard, CopenhagenPROBLEM: To determine the temporal and spatial expression of granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and GM‐CSF α and β receptor mRNA and protein in human endometrium.METHOD OF STUDY: The endometrial expression of GM‐CSF and GM‐CSF receptor mRNA and protein was determined using competitive quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Q‐RT‐PCR), in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: Endometrium expresses GM‐CSF and GM‐CSF α receptor mRNA with maximal expression occurring during the mid‐secretory phase (21.1 ±4.2 and 32.2 ± 7.7 × 106 mRNA copies/μg total RNA) compared to the proliferative phase (1.46 ± 0.4 and 7.5 ± 0.5 × 106 copies) of the menstrual cycle, with a significant reduction (0.67 ± 0.1 and 1.7 ± 0.2 × 106 mRNA copies) during the post‐menopausal period (P < 0.05). The endometrium expresses a significantly lower level of GM‐CSF β receptor mRNA (≈ 0.01 × 105 mRNA copies). Endometrial luminal and glandular epithelial cells are the primary site of GM‐CSF mRNA and protein expression, while arteriole endothelial, stromal, and inflammatory cells are the primary site of GM‐CSF α receptor protein. GM‐CSF β receptor protein has a similar cellular distribution as GM‐CSF.CONCLUSION: Temporal and spatial expression of GM‐CSF and GM‐CSF receptors in human endometrium during the menstrual cycle suggests that epithelial‐derived GM‐CSF in an autocrine/paracrine manner may influence various endometrial biological activities, local inflammatory response, and macrophage survival.
Progesterone Directly and Indirectly Affects Perforin Expression in Cytolytic Cells
Authors: Laškarin G. , Faust Zs. , ŠTrbo N. , Sotošek V. , Szekeres‐Bartho J. , Podack E. R. , Rukavina D. 
Published: September 2011

Laskarin G, Faust Zs, Štrbo N, SotoŠek V, Szekeres‐Bartho J, Podack ER, Rukavina D. Progesterone directly and indirectly affects perforin expression in cytolytic cells. AJRI 1999; 42:312–320 © Munksgaard, CopenhagenPROBLEM: Decidual lymphocytes (DL) expressing the cytolytic molecule perforin represent approximately 55% of DL in the first trimester of human pregnancy. Progesterone dominates this phase of pregnancy and controls the production of uterine cytokines and growth factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of progesterone and progesterone‐induced blocking factor (PIBF) on perforin expression in DL and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL).METHOD OF STUDY: Perforin expression was analyzed in PBL and DL incubated either in culture medium or with decidual adherent cells (DAC) and peripheral blood adherent cells (PBAC) and their supernatants with or without progesterone or PIBF. Perforin was detected by flow cytometry in PB and in decidual first trimester pregnancy lymphocytes.RESULTS: Progesterone in high concentrations directly affects perforin expression in DL but not in PBL. Progesterone in a concentration dependent manner indirectly blocks perforin expression in DL and PBL cultured with adherent cells or their supernatants. PIBF blocked upregulation of perforin expression of DL cultured with DAC, but none of those cultured with PBAC. Similarly, PIBF was inefficient when PBL or DL were cultured with PBAC.CONCLUSION: Progesterone present in a high concentration locally at the maternal‐fetal interface modulates perforin expression in the first trimester pregnancy DL.