Title
Acute intrauterine infection results in an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the pregnant rabbit.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2000
Journal/Book/Conference Title
American journal of reproductive immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989)
Volume
43
Abstract
PROBLEM: Intrauterine infection results in an increase in cytokines. This study compared the time courses for the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine responses in 33 pregnant rabbits at 70% gestation. Pro-inflammatory markers were activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) in placenta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in amniotic fluid. These were compared to the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), in placenta and uterus.
METHOD OF STUDY: Does were endoscopically inoculated with Escherichia coli through their cervices and sacrificed at six intervals between 0 and 30 hr post-inoculation.
RESULTS: Activated NF-kappaB, determined by electromobility gel shift assay, increased significantly 16 hr after bacterial inoculation (P < or = 0.05). This was directly mirrored by TNF-alpha concentrations, determined by bioassay, in the amniotic fluid. However, IL-1ra levels, determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, did not increase in response to infection.
CONCLUSIONS: Intrauterine infection results in an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that may potentiate infection-induced preterm delivery.
Keywords
Amniotic Fluid, Animals, Cytokines, Escherichia coli Infections, Female, Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein, NF-kappa B, Placenta, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Infectious, Rabbits, Sialoglycoproteins, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Uterine Diseases, Uterus
URL
http://ir.uiowa.edu/obgyn_pubs/67