In vivo tumor necrosis factor production in women with salpingitis

Immune mediated mechanisms might contribute to damage of the fallopian tube in instances of salpingitis. Using a filter paper technique to obtain samples during the surgical procedure, we examined fluids from the reproductive tract organs of seven women with salpingitis and five controls, for evidence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF, produced principally by macrophages, is a substantial mediator of inflammatory responses. In three women culture-positive for Chlamydia trachomatis, TNF was identified only in those fallopian tubes with visual evidence of disease. Fluids obtained from morphologically normal tubes, as well as from the ovaries and uterus, were negative. In three women with negative fallopian tube cultures but visual evidence of salpingitis, TNF was also identified in fluids from damaged, but not from normal, tubes. Ovarian and uterine fluids of the women were also TNF positive. The last patient, also culture-negative, had TNF only in one affected tube. All five patients in the control group had negative findings at all genital tract sites. Only one patient had TNF in her serum. Thus, localized cell-mediated immune system activation, identified by TNF production, appears to be a typical component of salpingitis.