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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
Antibodies to the 70 kDa heat shock protein in midtrimester amniotic fluid and intraamniotic immunity
Shari E Gelber1, Ann Marie Bongiovanni, Claudel Jean-Pierre
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, NY 10021, USA. shg7001@med.cornell.edu
Objective:
Antibodies to the 70 kDa heat shock protein (hsp70) immunoglobulin (Ig) G are markers for exposure to adverse or nonphysiological stimuli. In addition, these antibodies cross-link hsp-70 microbial antigen complexes and enhance development of antimicrobial immunity. The association between intraamniotic hsp70 IgG concentrations and intraamniotic immune responses were evaluated.
Study Design:
Midtrimester amniotic fluids from 90 women undergoing an amniocentesis were tested for hsp70 IgG, hsp70 antigen, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), and interferon (IFN)-alpha by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical outcomes were obtained after completion of all testing. Associations were analyzed by nonparametric statistics.
Results:
Intraamniotic hsp70 IgG concentrations, but not hsp70 antigen levels, were positively associated with levels of TNF-alpha (P < .0001), IFN-alpha (P = .0001), and SLPI (P = .0038). There were no associations between hsp70 IgG and maternal age or parity, race/ethnicity or pregnancy outcome.
Conclusion:
The hsp70 IgG levels correlate with intraamniotic concentrations of antimicrobial immune mediators. This antibody may potentiate antimicrobial immunity during fetal development.
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