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Meconium-stained amniotic fluid activates polymorphonuclear leukocytes ultrastructural and enzyme-cytochemical
S Matsubara1, T Yamada, H Minakami
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi, Japan. matsushi@jichi.ac.jp
Abstract:
The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate morphological evidence that meconium-stained amniotic fluid activates polymorphonuclear leukocytes. We used Boyden chamber techniques to determine the chemotactic activity of meconium-stained amniotic fluid for leukocytes, and ultrastructural enzyme-cytochemistry for peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase to characterize the leukocyte features induced by contact with meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid with meconium staining enhanced migration of leukocytes. These leukocytes exhibited more numerous cytoplasmic processes and more prominent phagosomes compared to peripheral blood leukocytes. Peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase activity were evident on the phagosomal membranes. Our results indicate that meconium-stained amniotic fluid activates or stimulates polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid induced leukocyte activation might play important roles in the pathophysiology of initiation of term labor or of the meconium aspiration syndrome.
Insights
Meconium-stained amniotic fluid stimulates white blood cells, specifically polymorphonuclear leukocytes. This activation, observed through enhanced migration and cellular changes, may contribute to labor initiation and meconium aspiration syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Meconium staining of amniotic fluid is a common intrapartum complication.
- The inflammatory response to meconium is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide morphological evidence that meconium-stained amniotic fluid activates polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
- To investigate the chemotactic activity and ultrastructural changes of leukocytes exposed to meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
Main Methods:
- Boyden chamber techniques were used to assess leukocyte migration.
- Ultrastructural enzyme-cytochemistry identified peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase activity.
Main Results:
- Meconium-stained amniotic fluid significantly enhanced leukocyte migration.
- Leukocytes exposed to meconium exhibited increased cytoplasmic processes and phagosomes.
- Peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase activity were localized on phagosomal membranes.
Conclusions:
- Meconium-stained amniotic fluid activates polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
- Leukocyte activation by meconium may play a role in term labor initiation.
- This activation could be significant in the pathophysiology of meconium aspiration syndrome.