title: Possible role and mechanism of inactivation of decidual NK cells in pregnancy.
abstract: Decidual NK cells are present in murine decidua in early pregnancy, but they decline by midpregnancy. The participation of these cells in rapid rejection of abnormal fetuses and possible cytolitic activity of these cells to trophoblasts seems unlikely. But, their production of cytokines (like CSF-1, which promote differentiation and growth of trophoblasts cells) may be the primary role of decidual NK cells in time of establishment of fetal-maternal connection. Later, inactivation of decidual NK cells by prostaglandins prevents damage of embryos.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology, Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Draca
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D003656:Decidua / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005327:Fetal Resorption / Q000503:physiopathology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000494:pharmacology; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000502:physiology*; D016173:Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D008954:Models, Biological; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000502:physiology; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D011453:Prostaglandins; D016173:Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; D007213:Indomethacin