Expression Of Cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IFN-γ) In The Trophoblast Of Human Placenta

Expression of TNF-α, IL-1 and IFN-γ in trophoblasts of placenta in the course of pregnancy were immunohistochemically studied and morphometrically analysed. MethodsPlacental samples obtained from 26 normal pregnancy women were divided into 3 groups: the first trimester group (n= 11), the second trimester group ( n= 6 ) and the term group (n= 9 ). The gestational duration was 6-9 weeks, 18-22 weeks and 37-38 weeks, respectively. A induced abortion was performed in the first trimester group, and a labor induced via extra-amniotic insertion of water bag was performed in the second trimester group and the placental samples of the term group were got after normal delivery immediately. Using an unmunohistochemical technique, the expression ofTNF-, IL-land IFN- on formalin fixed paraffin embedded normal human placenta at different stages of pregnancy was examined, the staining intensity was evaluated morphometrically. Results:In the course of pregnancy the staining intensity of TNF-a and IL-1 in trophoblast was increased significantly (39.39?.04,43.25?.26,47.15?.91, P<0.01 and 5.81?.65, 13.66?2.89, 17.89?.36, P<0.01). The staining intensity of IFN- r in trophoblast was increased significantly from the first trimester group to the second trimester group only, but not significantly increase from the second trimester group to the term group(23.79?.39, P<0.01). Conclusion:The results show that TNF-a, IL-1 and IFN-rare expressed in trophoblast of normal human placenta at different stages of pregnancy. TNF-a, IL-1 and IFN-r are gradually increased as the gestational age advanced. Since the cytokines have different biological functions, a balance of the cytokines might play a crucial role in blastocyst implantation, maintenance of pregnancy and labor onset.