Decidual mast cells might be involved in the onset of human first-trimester abortion.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to identify the role of mast cells and substance P (SP)-containing nerve fibers in human decidua in normal and pathological pregnancies.


METHODS
We collected decidua from women undergoing termination of normal pregnancies and from abortions. The presence of mast cells and SP was detected by immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
We observed a sparse distribution of mast cells in the normal pregnancies (36.7 tryptase+ mast cells/mm2 decidua). In the decidua from abortion, we found a dramatic increase in the number of mast cells (448.7 and 469.2 tryptase+ mast cells/mm2 decidua in primary and secondary abortions, respectively). In addition, we observed an increase of SP-positive nerve fibers in the decidua of abortions.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that decidual mast cells may play an important role in the onset of abortion, due to the production of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
Marx
L
L
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Julius-Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany.
Arck
P
P
Kieslich
C
C
Mitterlechner
S
S
Kapp
M
M
Dietl
J
J
D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000276:immunology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003656:Decidua / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000294:innervation / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000737:chemistry; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D013373:Substance P / Q000032:analysis
D013373:Substance P