Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
Published on: June 24, 2020
Labor induces a maternal inflammatory response syndrome
Eleanor J Molloy1, Amanda J O'neill, Julie J Grantham
1Department of Surgery, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, Dublin, Ireland.
Objective:
We studied the effect of labor on maternal neutrophil phenotype.
Study Design:
Neutrophil apoptosis with inflammatory cytokines and the expression of CD11b, CD34 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were assessed with flow cytometry in women at uncomplicated vaginal delivery (VD), and elective cesarean section (ElCS) without labor, emergency cesarean section with (EmCSL+) or without (EmCSL-) labor.
Results:
Spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis is delayed in maternal neutrophils after VD, EmCSL+ or EmCSL- versus ElCS. In all groups lipopolysaccharide delayed apoptosis and increased CD11b expression. Elevated TLR4 expression in ElCS was associated with lipopolysaccharide responsiveness. CD34 was diminished in VD, indicating increased cell maturity.
Conclusion:
Normal labor primes the neutrophil and may enhance antibacterial function by inducing a mild maternal inflammatory response syndrome. Delayed neutrophil apoptosis may promote the neutrophilia seen in women after VD. We suggest that labor of any duration may be immunologically beneficial to the parturient.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular
Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Inflammation
