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Seminal plasma components stimulate interleukin-8 and interleukin-10 release
F C Denison1, V E Grant, A A Calder
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Edinburgh, Centre for Reproductive Biology, UK.
Molecular Human Reproduction
|May 20, 1999
Summary
Human seminal plasma contains components that trigger both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. These dual actions may initially aid sperm survival and later facilitate their clearance from the female reproductive tract.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Inflammation research
Background:
- Human seminal plasma exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding sperm survival.
- Post-coital inflammation (leukocytosis) is observed, but seminal plasma's role is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate seminal plasma's effect on pro-inflammatory interleukin-8 (IL-8) and anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) release.
- To determine the role of prostaglandins (PGE2, 19-hydroxy PGE) in these responses.
Main Methods:
- Studied non-pregnant cervical explants, peripheral blood, and U937 monocyte cells.
- Assessed release of IL-8, IL-10, and SLPI following exposure to seminal plasma, a seminal plasma fraction (SPF), PGE2, and 19-hydroxy PGE.
Main Results:
- SPF stimulated IL-8 release and inhibited SLPI release from cervical explants.
- SPF, PGE2, and 19-hydroxy PGE stimulated IL-8 release from blood and U937 cells, with 19-hydroxy PGE being more potent.
- Seminal plasma, SPF, and PGE2 stimulated IL-10 release from U937 cells.
Conclusions:
- Seminal plasma components, particularly prostaglandins, induce both pro-inflammatory (IL-8) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) responses.
- These dual immune responses may regulate sperm survival and subsequent clearance within the female reproductive tract.