Related Experiment Videos
Immunological studies of lactoferrin in human placentae
C J Thaler1, C A Labarrere, J S Hunt
1Center for Reproduction and Transplantation Immunology, Methodist Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis 46202.
Journal of Reproductive Immunology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Lactoferrin (LF) is not typically found in healthy placental tissues but is present in neutrophils within inflamed areas. This suggests LF plays a role in placental inflammation and neutrophil activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Glycoprotein Research
Background:
- Lactoferrin (LF) and transferrin (Trf) are iron-binding glycoproteins.
- Their presence and role in placental tissues, particularly during inflammation, require clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the localization and cellular source of lactoferrin (LF) in human placental tissues.
- To determine the association of LF with inflammatory processes and specific immune cells within the placenta.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting were used to detect LF in syncytiotrophoblastic membranes.
- Immunohistological studies analyzed 35 normal placentae for LF distribution.
- Flow cytometry and immunocytology identified LF-positive cells and their markers (CD15, CD16, MHC class I, CD67) in peripheral blood and placental neutrophils.
Main Results:
- Lactoferrin (LF) was absent in normal placental tissues but detected in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) within areas of inflammation.
- LF-positive cells in inflamed placental sites reacted with CD15 and CD16 monoclonal antibodies, identifying them as neutrophils.
- Circulating neutrophils showed higher reactivity for MHC class I and CD67 (neutrophil activation marker) compared to adherent placental neutrophils, suggesting marker down-regulation in situ.
Conclusions:
- Lactoferrin (LF) is primarily associated with neutrophils infiltrating inflamed placental tissues.
- The presence of LF in neutrophils suggests a role in placental inflammatory responses.
- Neutrophils adherent to placental tissue may alter their surface marker expression.