bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Murine T Cell Determination of Pregnancy Outcome: I. Effects of Strain, αβ T Cell Receptor, γδ T Cell Receptor, and γδ T Cell Subsets
Authors: Arck Petra C. , Ferrick David A. , Steele‐Norwood Darlene , Croitoru Ken , Clark David A. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: T cells bearing αβ T cell receptor (TcR) and γδ TcR are present at the fetomaternal interface, and the latter, which express surface activation markers, can react with fetal trophoblast cell antigens. What is the role of these cells?METHOD: Using stress‐abortion‐prone DBA/2‐mated CBA/J and abortion‐resistant C57/B16 mice, αβ, γδ, and CD8+/‐ T cell subsets were measured in spleen and uterine decidua. The effect of immunization against abortion and administration of anti‐TcR antibody in vivo was examined. Cytokine synthesis was measured by intracellular staining of Brefeldin A‐treated cells.RESULTS: Abortion‐prone matings showed an unexpected accumulation of γδ T cells beginning in the peri‐implantation period and this was suppressed by immunization against abortion. The immunization deleted γδ T cells producing the abortogenic cytokines, TNF‐α and γ‐interferon, and increased production of the anti‐abortive cytokines, IL‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β2 (TGF‐β2). Immunization also boosted the number of αβ T cells which were present in the decidua as early as 2 days after implantation. In vivo injection of GL4 (anti‐δ) depleted γδ T cells producing Th1 cytokines in the peri‐implantation period, and prevented abortions, whereas H57 (anti‐β) decreased the number of αβ T cells and led to 100% abortions. CD8+ T cells present in peri‐implant decidua before onset of abortions were mostly αβ TcR+, although some were γδ+. Changes in γδ and αβ T cells in pregnancy were most dramatic in uterine tissue.CONCLUSION: Although decidual γδ T cells after formation of a distinct placenta and fetus produce anti‐abortive TGF‐β2‐like molecules and IL‐10, prior events can lead to abortion. High local production of TNF‐α and γ‐interferon develop during the peri‐implantation phase because of an excessive increase in the Th1 cytokine+ subset of γδ cells; these cytokines may be contributed by other tissues in decidua, and the contribution of bioactive factors by γδ T cells may augment the cytokine pool. In contrast, αβ T cells (which may be inactivated by stress that causes abortions) may mediate the anti‐abortive effect of alloimmunization. Alloimmunization involves a shift from a Th1 to a Th2 pattern in the γδ T cells in decidua.
Presence of HLA‐G‐Expressing Cells Modulates the Ability of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Release Cytokines
Authors: Maejima Masamoto , Fujii Tomoyuki , Kozuma Shiro , Okai Takashi , Shibata Yoichi , Taketani Yuji 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Human leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) is thought to be at play in maternal‐fetal immune interplay during pregnancy. Whether the expression of HLA‐G protein on the target cells altered the release of cytokines from effector mononuclear cells was questioned. METHOD OF STUDY: The amounts of cytokines released from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cocultured with or without HLA‐G‐expressing target cells were compared. RESULTS: When cocultured with HLA‐G‐expressing target cell lines, the amounts of interleukin‐3 (IL‐3) and interleukin‐lβ (IL‐1β) released from PBMC were increased, whereas the amounts of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were decreased.CONCLUSIONS: Mononuclear cells, if cultured with HLA‐G‐expressing cells, modulate their ability to release cytokines, suggesting a role of HLA‐G in triggering maternal‐fetal immune interplay and thereby maintaining pregnancy.
Effect of Boar Seminal Immunosuppressive Component on Humoral Immune Response in Mice
Authors: Veselský Leopold , ŽElezná Blanka , Dostál Jaromír 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The effect of seminal immunosuppressive component (ISF) on the primary and secondary antibody response, induced by soluble and/or corpuscular antigens, was evaluated in the sera obtained at different intervals before and after immunizations. The duration of the immune suppression induced by ISF treatment within the primary and secondary immunizations was also determined.METHOD OF STUDY: The ability of the seminal immunosuppressive component to suppress the primary and secondary antibody response was evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA) in the sera of mice treated in vivo with the immunosuppressor before and after immunization with antigens. Likewise, the duration of the immune suppression induced by the seminal immunosuppressor administered before the primary and secondary immunizations was tested by ELISA with antisera to keyhole limpets hemocyanin.RESULTS: Intravenous and rectal deposition of ISF led to a suppression of the primary and secondary antibody response to soluble and corpuscular antigens. The most effective suppression of the immune response was achieved in mice treated with immunosuppressor 3 days before the immunization with antigens. Also the secondary antibody response to the challenging antigen was significantly suppressed by ISF. The production of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgA to keyhole limpets hemocyanin was depressed for a relatively long period in mice treated with the immunosuppressor. The results indicated that the preexposure is needed for maximal immunosuppression of the primary antibody production. The treatment with ISF led to a prolonged immunosuppression but not to permanent tolerance to the challenging antigen.CONCLUSIONS: The in vivo deposition of semen may compromise some aspects of the immune system and may be an important factor in the development of viral and bacterial infections. The suppression of humoral immune response suggests potential uses of seminal immunosuppressor for the animal model study in the therapy of antibody‐mediated diseases.
Expression of TJ6 During Pregnancy
Authors: Kang J.A. , McBey B.A. , Angkachatchai V. , Croy B.A. , Beaman K.D. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: TJ6 will be one of the molecules involved in fetal‐specific immune suppression during pregnancy. In the mouse and human decidua, the regulation of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells is important during pregnancy.METHOD OF STUDY: To further understand the possible functions of TJ6 during pregnancy, syngeneic, allogeneic, and mutant mice were examined for TJ6 expression. RESULTS: Immunoblotting showed that TJ6 protein was expressed on most of the placenta‐associated mononuclear cells, and the size was 70–72 kDa at all stages of pregnancy. The expression of TJ6 mRNA was studied by a ribonuclease protection assay in syngeneic and allogeneic matings, and in immune‐deficient mice of genotypes scid/scid and scid/scid. bg/bg.CONCLUSIONS: Genetic disparity, lack of T and B lymphocytes, and loss of NK lytic function had no significant effect on the expression of TJ6 mRNA.
Suppressive Effect on Lymphoproliferation In Vitro by Soluble Annexin II Released from Isolated Placental Membranes
Authors: Aarli ÅNen , Kristoffersen Einar K. , Jensen Tone Skeie , Ulvestad Elling , Matre Roald 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Syncytiotrophoblast microvillous plasma membranes (StMPM) are potent suppressors of lymphoproliferation in vitro. We have previously shown that soluble annexin II (AII) is present at higher levels in retroplacental serum (RPS) than in peripheral serum, and that soluble AII has an immunosuppressive effect. The aims of this study were to determine whether AII can be released from StMPM and whether soluble AII from StMPM exerts any immunosuppressive effect.METHOD OF STUDY: Isolated StMPM were incubated in growth medium for 18 hr and supernatants were prepared by ultracentrifugation. Soluble AII was detected by immunoblotting. StMPM, StMPM supernatant, and affinity‐purified AII were analysed in a lymphoproliferation assay for immunomodulating activity.RESULTS: AII heavy chain and its p11 light chain were detected both in StMPM supernatant and in RPS after removal of StMPM particles by ultracentrifugation. StMPM, StMPM supernatant, and purified AII suppressed lymphoproliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. Absorption of AII from StMPM supernatant reduced the suppressive activity. The suppressive effect of StMPM supernatant and purified AII was completely reversed by heating at 100°C for 30 min or by adding recombinant interleukin‐2 at 100 units/ml. Although StMPM and affinity‐purified AII suppressed the proliferation of lymphocytes from all donors tested, StMPM supernatant suppressed the proliferation of lymphocytes from 12 of 23 donors. Six of eight female non‐suppressed donors were multiparae, whereas five of five female suppressed donors were nulliparae.CONCLUSIONS: Annexin II is released by isolated placental membranes in vitro and is present in RPS, indicating in vivo release of AII at the fetomaternal interface, probably as AII heterotetramer. AII has immunosuppressive activity and may be important in fetal allograft survival.
Induction of Autoimmune Prostatitis Using Liposomes Is Associated to Peritoneal Cells Activation
Authors: Iribarren Pablo , Correa Silvia G. , Riera Clelia M. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Study and characterization of rat peritoneal cells (PC) involved in the induction of autoimmune prostatitis after the intraperitoneal administration of native extract of accessory glands (RAG) associated with liposomes (RAGL).METHOD OF STUDY: Induction of the autoimmune response in normal recipients by transferring PC or adherent‐PC loaded with RAGL (RAGL‐PC), but not with PC loaded with empty liposomes (L‐PC). Characterization of the morphology, the ultrastructure, and the phenotype of L‐PC or RAGL‐PC. Study of the respiratory burst by the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction assay after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in both L‐PC and RAGL‐PC.RESULTS: Liposomes attached to the cell surface of the Mφ were observed by electron microscopy. FACS analyses showed a similar staining pattern with high expression of Ia molecules on L‐PC and RAGL‐PC compared with controls. PMA‐stimulated L‐PC or RAGL‐PC markedly reduced the NBT compared with controls.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the effective uptake of liposomes and the initial activation of PC together with a prolonged stimulatory effect help to disrupt the tolerance state. The present experimental model is an interesting approach to further characterize events associated with antigenic presentation when an autoimmune response is triggered.
Post‐thymectomy Murine Experimental Autoimmune Oophoritis Is Associated With Reduced Natural Killer Cell Activity
Authors: Maity Rita , Nair Sharmila R. , Nelson Lawrence M. , Caspi Rachel R. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Natural killer (NK) cells can influence the immune response by secreting potent lymphokines. It has been suggested that NK cells have a suppressive action on B cells, and that impaired NK cell activity may play a role in some types of autoimmunity. NK cell abnormalities have been reported in women with premature ovarian failure. We therefore examined NK cell activity during the development of murine experimental autoimmune oophoritis, which serves as a model for autoimmune ovarian failure in women.METHOD OF STUDY: Neonatally thymectomized and sham‐operated C57B1/6 × A/J (B6A) mice were prepared and sacrificed at 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks after surgery. Splenic NK cell activity was determined in groups of five or more mice by measuring the percent specific lysis of target YAC‐1 lymphoma cells using a standard 4‐hr chromium release cytotoxicity assay. The number of splenic NK cells in neonatally thymectomized and sham‐operated animals was also compared using flow cytometry. In a subsequent experiment, interleukin 12 (IL‐12; NK cell‐stimulating factor) was administered to neonatal mice before neonatal thymectomy.RESULTS: Neonatally thymectomized mice with associated autoimmune oophoritis had a 75% reduction in the number of splenic NK cells, and 50% or greater reduction in splenic NK cell activity at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after surgery. IL‐12 treatment before neonatal thymectomy maintained NK cell activity and was shown to ameliorate the associated autoimmune oophoritis.CONCLUSION: Murine post‐thymectomy autoimmune oophoritis is associated with reduced NK cell number and impaired NK cell activity, and in these respects the model is similar to premature ovarian failure in women. Research to define the relationship between NK cell abnormalities and the mechanism of ovarian failure in this model might lend insight into the pathogenesis of premature ovarian failure in women.
A Tissue type Transglutaminase in Human Seminal Plasma
Authors: Whyard Terry C. , Ablin Richard J. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Initial studies from this laboratory of human seminal plasma (SePI) permitted the presumptive identification of the participation of transglutaminase (TGase) and prostaglandins as principal molecules contributing to the immunoregulatory activity of SePI. As a step toward confirmation and extension of these studies, SePI TGase has been partially purified, characterized, and localized.METHOD OF STUDY: An enzyme‐enriched and partially purified preparation of SePI TGase obtained by molecular sieve and ion‐exchange chromatography and the polyclonal antibody to this preparation were characterized by enzymatic analysis and evaluated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE); immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence (IF).RESULTS: A Ca2+ ‐dependent, thrombin‐independent, TGase enzyme from SePI was identified. A pH of 7.5 and a concentration of 2 mM calcium chloride were determined to be optimal for ascertaining the SePI TGase activity in a filter paper assay. Immunoprecipitation using polyclonal antibody prepared with a semipurified TGase preparation, concurrently comparing increasing serum dilution and enzyme activity, revealed a predominant protein band on SDS‐PAGE of 83 kDa. IF studies using the polyclonal antibody on human prostate tissue showed reactivity with a variety of epithelial and stromal components. A significant (P < 0.05) correlation between the biochemical, i.e., enzyme activity of the SePI TGase active preparation, and immunologic activity, i.e., indirect IF staining titre of antibody to acinar epithelial cells and luminal contents, was observed.CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm and extend initial studies of the presumptive identification of a tissue type TGase associated with the immunoregulatory activity of human SePl and permit the characterization and immunohistologic localization of this macromolecule to the prostate. These observations provide a basis for further investigation of the immunoregulatory role of SePl and prostate TGase in the biology of reproduction and associated pathoses.
Cytokine Production by Lymphocytes in Pregnancy
Authors: Szereday L. , Varga p. , Szekeres‐Bartho J. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: In the presence of progesterone lymphocytes of pregnant women release a 34‐ kDa protein named the progesterone‐induced blocking factor (PIBF). PIBF mediates the immunomodulatory and anti‐abortive effects of progesterone and its presence is related to the outcome of pregnancy. PIBF induces production of Th2 type cytokines by activated lymphocytes. The in vivo relationship between PIBF‐ and cytokine production of pregnancy lymphocytes and the outcome of pregnancy was investigated.METHOD OF STUDY: Interleukin (IL)‐12 and IL‐10 production and PIBF expression in peripheral lymphocytes of 111 healthy pregnant women and 120 women at risk for premature pregnancy termination were detected by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: We found increased IL‐12 and low PIBF and IL‐10 expression on lymphocytes of “risk” patients, and a high rate of IL‐10 and PIBF positivity on lymphocytes from healthy pregnant women. The cytokine production pattern of the lymphocytes was related to the presence or absence of previous abortions as well as to the outcome of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: These data suggest the involvement of an altered cytokine production pattern in the immunologic effects of progesterone.
Regulation of Decidual Cell and Chorion Cell Production of Interleukin‐10 by Purified Bacterial Products
Authors: Dudley Donald J. , Edwin Samuel S. , Dangerfield Albina , Jackson Kirsten , Trautman Michael S. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: To determine whether cultured human decidual cells and chorion cells produce interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) after incubation with purified bacterial products.METHOD OF STUDY: Decidual cell cultures and chorion cell cultures were established by standard techniques. With confluence, monolayers of each culture were incubated with purified bacterial products, including various concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipid A, and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) for 16 hr in quadruplicate. Culture supernatants were collected and assayed for immunodetectable IL‐10 by enzyme‐linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA).RESULTS: Both decidual cell cultures and chorion cell cultures produced significant quantities of IL‐10 after stimulation with LPS, lipid A, and LTA. Cultures of decidual cells produced more IL‐10 than did chorion cell cultures.CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that both maternal decidual cells and fetally derived chorion cells can produce IL‐10 after incubation with bacterial virulence factors. This finding contrasts with our previous findings in which chorion cells did not produce IL‐10 after stimulation with IL‐1β, suggesting that chorion cell production after incubation with bacterial products is independent of IL‐1β. We speculate that the contribution of anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 production by human gestational tissues to the inflammatory process in these tissues may be overcome or abrogated by the pro‐inflammatory process.
The Effect of Interleukin‐1β and Interleukin‐4 on the Expression of Prostaglandin Receptors EP1 and EP3 in Amnion WISH Cells
Authors: Spaziani Eric P. , Tsibris John C. M. , Hunt Lois T. , Benoit Raymond R. , O'Brien William F. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Although prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is believed to modulate biochemical and immunological events leading to parturition, the role of prostaglandin E receptors during labor has not been investigated.METHOD OF STUDY: Amnion WISH cells were incubated in media containing increasing concentrations of either interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) or IL‐4. Increased EP1 and EP3 protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis with peptide‐specific antibodies. Concomitant measurements of culture media PGE2 were made by an enzyme immunoassay.RESULTS: Incubation of WISH cells with IL‐1β or IL‐4 caused a two‐to three‐fold increase in EP1 protein levels. IL‐1β and IL‐4 also caused six‐and two‐fold increases, respectively, in culture fluid PGE2 concentrations. IL‐1β or IL‐4 had no effect on EP3 protein levels.CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, it is proposed that IL‐1β and IL‐4 may be involved in the initiation and promotion of labor by inducing EP1 levels and PGE2 production in amnion.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Is Increased in Patients With Preeclampsia
Authors: Kupferminc Michael J. , Daniel Yair , Englender Talma , Baram Amiram , Many Ariel , Jaffa Ariel J. , Gull Ilan , Lessing Joseph B. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: This study was conducted to determine whether altered levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.METHOD OF STUDY: Maternal plasma samples were collected from 19 patients with preeclampsia (group A) either before the onset of labor, or before induction of labor or medical intervention. Plasma samples were also obtained from 19 normotensive patients with uncomplicated pregnancies (group B), who were matched with the patients with preeclampsia for gestational age and parity. Samples were frozen at −70°C until assayed for VEGF by a specific enzyme‐linked immunoassay.RESULTS: The mean maternal age was similar in groups A and B. For both groups the VEGF was detectable in all plasma samples. However, the plasma concentrations of VEGF were significantly increased in the group A patients, compared with those in group B (median, 47ng/ml; range, 10.6–72 ng/ml versus median, 13.6 ng/ml; range, 0.66‐20 ng/ml; P < 0.001). In group A, a positive correlation was noted between VEGF concentrations and the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.56; P = 0.01 and r = 0.48; P = 0.037, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: Maternal plasma VEGF levels were elevated in the patients with preeclampsia and correlated with the severity of hypertension, suggesting a role for VEGF in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
Amniotic Fluid Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor Levels in Chorioamnionitis Do Not Predict Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Hoskins Iffath Abbasi , Schatz Frederick , Zandieh Peyman , Lee Christina 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: To assess the usefulness of amniotic fluid (AF) granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor levels (G‐CSF) in chorioamnionitis (CAM) to predict neonatal sepsis.METHOD OF STUDY: AF samples were obtained from term and preterm patients with (Group I) and without (Group II) CAM and were assayed for G‐CSF levels. Patients with other infections were excluded. All AF samples were also tested for gram stain and cultures. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of these parameters for diagnosing neonatal sepsis were assessed.RESULTS: Positive AF cultures were the best predictors of neonatal sepsis in CAM, with a sensitivity of 67% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 80%. Elevated AF G‐CSF levels (>1,000 pg/ml) were poor predictors of neonatal sepsis with a sensitivity of 29% and PPV of 39%.CONCLUSION: Even though AF G‐CSF levels were markedly elevated in patients with CAM, they were poor predictors of subsequent neonatal sepsis.