Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
05:16
Multiplexed Fluorescent Immunohistochemical Staining of Four Endometrial Immune Cell Types in Recurrent Miscarriage
Published on: August 4, 2021
Decrease of T-helper 2 and T-cytotoxic 2 cells at implantation sites occurs in unexplained recurrent spontaneous
T Michimata1, M Sakai, S Miyazaki
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama-shi, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|July 2, 2003
Summary
Reduced T-helper 2 (Th2) and T-cytotoxic 2 (Tc2) cells at the implantation site may contribute to recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). This study localized these cells in normal pregnancy and RSA cases.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Immunology
- Cellular Immunology
- Pregnancy Complications
Background:
- Type 2 cytokines are crucial for maintaining normal pregnancy.
- T-helper 1 (Th1) responses are linked to recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA).
- Localization of T-helper 2 (Th2) and T-cytotoxic 2 (Tc2) cells in the implantation site during RSA is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of Th2 and Tc2 cells in the decidua of women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA).
- To compare the infiltration of these immune cells between normal pregnancy, RSA with normal chromosomal content (RSA-N), and RSA with abnormal chromosomal content (RSA-A).
Main Methods:
- Decidual sections from 21 RSA cases (10 RSA-N, 11 RSA-A) and 15 controls (induced abortion) were immunostained.
- T-cell markers (CD3, CD8) and a specific Th2/Tc2 marker (CRTH2) were used.
- Numbers and percentages of Th2 (CRTH2(+)CD8(-)CD3(+)) and Tc2 (CRTH2(+)CD8(+)) cells were quantified in decidua basalis and parietalis.
Main Results:
- Th2 and Tc2 cells were found to accumulate in the decidua basalis during normal pregnancy.
- Tc2 cell accumulation decreased in the decidua basalis of RSA-A cases.
- Both Th2 and Tc2 cell accumulation were reduced in the decidua basalis of RSA-N cases.
- No significant differences in Th2 or Tc2 cell numbers were observed in the decidua parietalis across all groups.
Conclusions:
- A decrease in Th2 and Tc2 cells within the decidua basalis may play a role in the pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion, particularly in cases with normal chromosomal content.
- These findings highlight the importance of immune cell balance at the implantation site for successful pregnancy.
More Related Videos
07:46Platform for Quantitative Detection of Endometrial Immune Cells Based on Immunohistochemistry and Digital Image Analysis
Published on: October 13, 2023
08:29Measurement of Four Uterine NK Cell Subtypes Using Multiplexed Fluorescent Immunohistochemical Staining in Women with Repeated Implantation Failure
Published on: October 25, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
02:57Meiosis vs. Mitosis
Cell division is necessary for growth and reproduction in organisms. Mitosis aids cell growth and development by dividing somatic cells. In contrast, meiosis causes the division of germ cells and plays an essential role in sexual reproduction. Due to their unique functional requirements, mitosis and meiosis differ from each other in multiple aspects.
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:27Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...