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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
Interleukin-8 release from human gestational tissue explants: effects of gestation, labor, and chorioamnionitis
N Laham1, S P Brennecke, G E Rice
1Perinatal Research Centre, Department of Perinatal Medicine, University of Melbourne, The Royal Women's Hospital, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia.
Insights
Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is crucial in human parturition. This study found higher IL-8 release from term choriodecidua than preterm, with no significant changes due to labor onset or chorioamnionitis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a cytokine involved in human parturition processes like cervical ripening.
- Its role in labor onset and infection-related complications requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify in vitro Interleukin-8 (IL-8) release from human gestational tissues (amnion, choriodecidua, placenta).
- To assess IL-8 release in relation to spontaneous labor onset (term and preterm) and chorioamnionitis.
Main Methods:
- Human amnion, choriodecidua, and placenta tissues were collected before and after labor onset.
- Tissue explants were cultured in vitro to measure Interleukin-8 (IL-8) release.
- IL-8 levels were analyzed concerning gestational age, labor status, and presence of chorioamnionitis.
Main Results:
- All examined tissues released IL-8; choriodecidua showed significantly higher release than amnion and placenta.
- Term choriodecidual IL-8 release was significantly greater than preterm.
- Labor onset and chorioamnionitis did not significantly alter IL-8 release compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Choriodecidual IL-8 release is significantly higher in term compared to preterm pregnancies.
- IL-8 release from gestational tissues is not significantly affected by spontaneous labor onset or chorioamnionitis.
- These findings suggest IL-8 release may be an early event in chorioamnionitis preceding clinical symptoms.
Abstract:
Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a chemotactic cytokine that has been implicated in the process of human parturition, including the processes of cervical ripening and rupture of fetal membranes. In this study, the in vitro release of IL-8 from human amnion, choriodecidua, and placenta tissues obtained before and after spontaneous labor onset both at term and preterm, was assessed. The effect of chorioamnionitis on IL-8 release was also established. All tissue explants examined released IL-8; however, IL-8 release from choriodecidual explants was significantly (p < 0.02) greater than that observed from amnion and placenta. Furthermore, choriodecidual IL-8 release was significantly (p < 0.001) greater from term tissues (850 +/- 134.4 ng/mg DNA, n = 18) than from preterm tissues (458 +/- 68.8 ng/mg DNA, n = 17). Spontaneous onset of labor, irrespective of the eventual mode of delivery, was not associated with any significant changes in IL-8 release from human gestational tissues compared to not-in-labor tissues, both at term and preterm. IL-8 release from gestational tissues was not significantly different in the absence or presence of chorioamnionitis. These data are in contrast to the previously reported stimulatory effects of bacterial endotoxin on IL-8 release from human gestational tissues. The data are consistent, however, with the suggestion that IL-8 release is an early event in chorioamnionitis that precedes the appearance of clinically overt symptoms.
