Gamma delta T cells in human decidua.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to assess the presence and frequency of gamma delta T cells in the decidua of term and first-trimester pregnancies.


METHODS
Term and first-trimester placentas were obtained from normal subjects. Frozen sections and cell suspensions were prepared from decidual tissue and stained with monoclonal antibodies to T cell markers. Cell sorter analysis was performed.


RESULTS
gamma delta T cells in term decidual cell preparations were enriched 2.4-fold compared with peripheral blood. Immunohistochemical staining of term decidual tissue demonstrated many gamma delta + and CD3+ T cells, fewer CD8+ cells, and rare CD4+ cells. In contrast, first-trimester decidua was found to be devoid of gamma delta + T cells, by both cell sorter analysis and immunohistochemical methods.


CONCLUSIONS
Term, but not early, decidua harbors a resident T-cell population that is significantly enriched in gamma delta T cells compared with blood. These lymphocytes may provide an added defense mechanism against infection during the peripartum.
Ditzian-Kadanoff
R
R
Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago, IL 60608.
Garon
J
J
Verp
M S
MS
Zilberstein
M
M
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000032:analysis; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology; D003656:Decidua / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D011247:Pregnancy; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000166:cytology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000166:cytology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D017252:CD3 Complex