engleski

Immunoregulation by cytolytic mechanisms at the maternal-fetal interface

Problem. First trimester pregnancy decidual NK cells (CD3-CD16-CD56bright) and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are equipped with high cytolytic potential (Perforin-P, Granzymes, FasL) and might perform an immune surveillance function protecting both mother and fetus. The aim was to examine the role of P mediated cytotoxicity in normal and in follopian tube ectopic pregnancies to approach to the understanding of the role of P in the control of trophoblast invasion. Material and Methods. Tissue: 1) Human first trimester pregnancy decidua. 2) Tubal mucosa at the implantation site and distal from the implantation site, as well as intrauterine decidua of ectopic pregnancy. Lymphocyte subpopulations and perforin expression were analysed by: 1) Immunohistology and 2) Enzymatic digestion of tissue, single or double labelling of mononuclear cells suspensions and flow cytometry. Perforin - intracellular antigen was stained by using cell permeabilization method. Results. Immunohistology and flow cytometry showed predominance of T lymphocytes in tubal mucosa (60%) while intrauterine decidua contained less than 10% of CD3+ cells. NK cells were significantly lower represented in tubal mucosa, but were dominant population in intrauterine mucosa (~70%) which is comparable to findings in normal pregnancy. P+ cells were rare in tubal mucosa of ectopic pregnancy but high percentages of uterine decidual lymphocytes (50%-60%) both from normal and ectopic pregnancies were P+. Conclusion. The presence and distribution of P in intrauterine decidua of ectopic pregnancy resembles to those of normal pregnancy. The deficiency of NK cells and P+ cells in the population of lymphocytes infiltrating implantation site of tubal pregnancy could be one of factors responsible for insufficient control of trophoblast growth in ectopic pregnancy.

NK cells ; Cytotoxic T lymphocytes ; Perforin ; Pregnancy ; Decidua

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