Expression and localization of the Th2-type cytokine interleukin-13 and its receptor in the placenta during human pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of the Th2-type cytokine interleukin (IL)-13 and its receptor in human placenta during gestation.


METHODS
Expression of IL-13 and its receptor was analyzed by reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry using human placental samples.


RESULTS
IL-13 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in placental extracts from all stages of gestation. In situ hybridization revealed IL-13 mRNA in first trimester cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast. Few positive cells were found within decidual sections from the same pregnancy. Immunohistochemistry revealed a similar pattern to in situ hybridization. This was largely absent in second- and third-trimester placentae. IL-13 receptor alpha chain (IL-13R alpha) was detected by immunofluorescence on the surface of leukocytes in first-trimester villous core and decidua.


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of IL-13 is spatially and temporally regulated in the placenta, and associated with the close proximity of a receptor-bearing target leukocyte population.
Department of Biological Science, University of Essex, Colchester, UK.
G B
GB
Dealtry
D E
DE
Clark
A
A
Sharkey
D S
DS
Charnock-Jones
S K
SK
Smith
D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D018793:Interleukin-13 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D053661:Interleukin-13 Receptor alpha1 Subunit; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin / Q000378:metabolism*; D053660:Receptors, Interleukin-13; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000378:metabolism
D018076:DNA, Complementary; C508181:IL13RA1 protein, human; D018793:Interleukin-13; D053661:Interleukin-13 Receptor alpha1 Subunit; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin; D053660:Receptors, Interleukin-13