Tumor necrosis factor in the human fetoplacentary unit

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a multi-functional lymphokine with diverse biological activities.
• The role of TNF in human placental and adrenal tissues during gestation is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and biological activity of TNF in human placental and adrenal tissues.
• To explore a potential novel biological role for TNF in the regulation of steroidogenesis within the fetoplacental unit.

Main Methods:

• Detection and quantification of TNF in amniotic fluid, placental, decidual, and fetal adrenal tissues.
• Bioassays using WEHI cells to assess TNF cytotoxicity.
• Culturing fetal adrenal cells and stimulating them with ACTH.
• Measuring cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) synthesis.

Main Results:

• Biologically active TNF was detected in placental and decidual tissue homogenates and fetal adrenal tissues.
• Cultured fetal adrenal cells produced TNF upon ACTH stimulation.
• TNF suppressed ACTH-stimulated cortisol synthesis and shifted steroidogenesis towards DHEA and DHEAS production.

Conclusions:

• TNF is present and biologically active in the human fetoplacental unit.
• TNF may play a regulatory role in fetal adrenal steroidogenesis, influencing precursors for placental steroid synthesis.
• These findings suggest a novel function for TNF in regulating steroidogenesis during human gestation.