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Human follicular fluids contain tissue macrophages.
J A Loukides1, R A Loy, R Edwards
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Maryland, Baltimore 21201.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Macrophages and monocytes are present in human ovarian follicular fluid, producing interleukin-1 beta. This finding is significant for understanding reproductive immunology and in vitro fertilization success.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Cell biology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is a key inflammatory cytokine.
- Macrophages are known producers of IL-1β.
- The presence and role of immune cells in ovarian follicular fluid are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of macrophages and monocytes in human ovarian follicular fluid.
- To determine if these cells produce interleukin-1 beta mRNA.
- To examine the distribution of macrophages within the ovarian follicle and corpus luteum.
Main Methods:
- Northern analysis to detect interleukin-1 beta mRNA in follicular fluid cells.
- Isolation and analysis of tissue cells from follicular fluids of women undergoing in vitro fertilization.
- Histological examination of ovarian tissue sections to identify macrophages and monocytes.
Main Results:
- Interleukin-1 beta mRNA was detected in tissue cells from follicular fluids.
- Macrophages and monocytes constitute 5-15% of human follicular tissue cells.
- Macrophages were identified within the ovarian follicle and corpus luteum.
Conclusions:
- Immune cells, specifically macrophages and monocytes, are present in human ovarian follicular fluid.
- These cells are capable of producing interleukin-1 beta.
- The presence of these immune cells suggests a role in ovarian function and potentially in reproductive processes like in vitro fertilization.