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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
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Dynamic changes in maternal decidual leukocyte populations from first to second trimester gestation
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto M5G 1E2, Canada; Research Centre for Women's and Infants Health, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto M5T 3H7, Canada.
Placenta
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Second trimester decidua shows altered immune cell populations, including fewer macrophages and more M2-like macrophages, promoting a tolerant and angiogenic environment for fetal development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Perinatology
Background:
- Decidual leukocytes are crucial for maternal-fetal tolerance and spiral artery remodeling.
- Most research focuses on early gestation and term, leaving the second trimester understudied.
- This study investigates changes in decidual leukocyte populations during the second trimester.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize changes in decidual leukocyte subsets from the first to the second trimester of pregnancy.
- To understand the immunological shifts in the decidual microenvironment during mid-gestation.
Main Methods:
- Decidual leukocytes were isolated from elective pregnancy terminations (6-20 weeks gestation).
- Multicolor flow cytometry was used to analyze leukocyte subpopulations.
- Isotype and FMO controls were employed for accurate identification of specific cell types.
Main Results:
- Decidual natural killer (dNK) cell numbers remained stable, but a subset with decreased CD56 brightness emerged.
- Macrophage populations shifted, with a decline in CD14(+)HLA-DR(+) cells and an increase in alternatively activated M2-like macrophages (CD163(+)CD206(+)).
- Intermediate dendritic cells decreased, while T lymphocyte populations (CD3(+) and CD3(+)CD4(+)) increased.
Conclusions:
- The second trimester decidua exhibits significant leukocyte subset alterations.
- These changes contribute to a more tolerogenic and angiogenic decidual environment.
- The findings provide insights into immune regulation during mid-gestation.
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