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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Isolation of Primary Human Decidual Cells from the Fetal Membranes of Term Placentae
Published on: April 30, 2018
Thrombin and interleukin-1beta regulate HOXA10 expression in human term decidual cells: implications for preterm
Jennifer L Sarno1, Frederick Schatz, Charles J Lockwood
1Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.
Context:
Preterm delivery is commonly caused by intraamniotic infection with expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta) or by abruption resulting in generation of decidual thrombin. Although human parturition is not preceded by overt progesterone withdrawal, progesterone resistance likely leads to labor. The uteri of Hoxa10(-/-) mice demonstrate progesterone resistance; several genes, including prostaglandin receptors, are inappropriately regulated in response to progesterone.
Objective:
We hypothesized that IL-1beta or thrombin would decrease HOXA10 expression, contributing to the progestin-resistant environment. We analyzed expression of HOX genes and their regulation by IL-1beta or thrombin in decidual cells.
Design And Setting:
We conducted an in vitro experiment at an academic medical center.
Intervention:
Term decidual cells were treated with estradiol (E(2)) or E(2) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate followed by addition of thrombin or IL-1beta.
Main Outcome Measure:
HOX mRNA was evaluated by microarray and confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Protein expression was detected using immunohistochemistry and Western analysis.
Results:
HOXA9, HOXA10, and HOXA11 were expressed in decidual cells and regulated by IL-1beta and thrombin. HOXA10 was further analyzed because of its association with progesterone responsiveness. After E(2) treatment, IL-1beta and thrombin decreased HOXA10 mRNA by 94 and 81%, respectively. After E(2) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment, IL-1beta and thrombin resulted in an 86 and 72% decrease in HOXA10 mRNA, respectively. A similar decrease was noted in HOXA10 protein expression.
Conclusion:
The expression of HOXA10 protein at term indicates that it may have a role in maintaining decidual cell phenotype and pregnancy. The dramatic decrease of HOXA10 in response to IL-1beta or thrombin may contribute to progestin resistance in preterm labor, mimicking progesterone resistance seen in Hoxa10(-/-) mice.
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