Cytokine-leukocyte networks and the establishment of pregnancy

Am J Reprod Immunol. 1997 Jun;37(6):438-42. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1997.tb00257.x.

Abstract

Problem: Factors in seminal plasma stimulate an intense but transient inflammatory response in the murine endometrium at mating. The aim of our current studies is to delineate the cytokine-leukocyte interactions comprising this response and to elucidate the significance of these events in changes in the maternal immune system and as determinants of pregnancy outcome.

Method: We have reviewed our recent findings.

Results: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 has been identified as the inflammation-inducing moiety in seminal plasma. Seminal TGFbeta1 initiates endometrial leukocyte infiltration by up-regulating epithelial cell expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Other cytokines and chemokines including regulated and normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, MIP-1beta, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 are also implicated as mediators of macrophage and granulocyte recruitment and activation. One consequence of this inflammatory response is the induction of a transient state of hyporesponsiveness to paternal major histocompatibility class I antigens.

Conclusion: Our studies suggest that semen may play a critical role in providing the antigenic and environmental signals necessary to initiate an appropriate maternal immune response to the conceptus during pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chemotaxis, Leukocyte
  • Cytokines / physiology*
  • Endometrium / cytology
  • Endometrium / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Epithelium / metabolism
  • Female
  • HLA Antigens / immunology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Isoantigens / immunology
  • Leukocytes / physiology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Models, Immunological
  • Pregnancy / immunology*
  • Semen / immunology
  • Semen / physiology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • HLA Antigens
  • Isoantigens