Elsevier

Cytokine

Volume 11, Issue 1, January 1999, Pages 66-73
Cytokine

Regular article
CYTOKINE RELEASE FROM PLACENTAL ENDOTHELIAL CELLS, A PROCESS ASSOCIATED WITH PRETERM LABOUR IN THE ABSENCE OF INTRAUTERINE INFECTION

https://doi.org/10.1006/cyto.1998.0399Get rights and content

Abstract

There is currently a great deal of interest in the role that cytokines may play in the processes mediating preterm as well as normal term labour. In case of preterm delivery a cause–effect relationship between infection, uncontrollable preterm labour, and increased uterine cytokine concentrations is widely accepted, but there is considerable information that increased uterine cytokine release is also a condition in normal term labour and preterm labour not due to infection. Thereby, the exact cellular sources of cytokine production have not yet been identified. In the present study, the authors used immunohistochemical analysis to localize interleukin 1β (IL-1β) interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) immunoreactivity within trophoblastic villi and fetal membranes. In the absence of chorioamnionitis, uncontrollable preterm labour, and also normal term labour was associated with strong immunoreactivity for IL-1β and IL-6 in the endothelial cells within trophoblastic villi. In contrast, preterm delivery accompanied by histologically confirmed chorioamnionitis, was not associated with increased expression of cytokine antigens within endothelial cells of the fetal vascular system, but strong cytokine activity was found in polymorphonuclear cells infiltrating the amniochorionic membranes. Therefore, the data suggest two well-defined subgroups among patients delivering preterm. Thereby, increased uterine cytokine concentrations may be realized in both groups, but the cellular sources of cytokine production may be different.

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    Citation Excerpt :

    The site of origin of cytokines within the uterus, placenta, and membranes is of importance in understanding the mechanisms that underpin normal and abnormal parturition. In a study of cytokine-producing cell types within human placental tissues, Steinborn et al24 observed two distinct patterns in cases of preterm labor, dependent on the presence or absence of infection. Where there was evidence of ascending infection, activated leukocytes were observed infiltrating the infected membranes and releasing cytokines.

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Correspondence to: A. Steinborn, Department Obstet./Gynecol., University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany

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