Heat shock proteins and heat shock protein-antibody complexes in placental tissues.
OBJECTIVE
The relationship between pregnancy outcome and expression of the heat shock proteins (hsps) or hsp-antibody complexes of 60kD (hsp60), 70kD (hsp70), and 90kD (hsp90) in placental tissue and circulating antibodies to hsps was evaluated.


METHODS
Expression of hsp60, hsp70, and hsp90 in placentae from 12 women with preterm birth, eight with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and 10 with term birth, as well as the presence of the corresponding antibodies, was investigated by a new carbocyanine double fluorescence technique. Results were compared with microbiological findings and circulating antibodies to hsps in sera.


RESULTS
In each placental specimen examined, hsp60, hsp70, and hsp90 were identified. However, hsp70-antibody complexes were detected in only four of the preterm labor cases. Similarly, hsp60-antibody complexes were detected in only five preterm labor patients and in one patient with IUGR. None of the placentae contained hsp90-antibody complexes. In the preterm birth group, all patients with hsp60-antibody complexes were also positive for circulating antibodies to hsp60. The presence of hsp70-antibody complexes also correlated with hsp70 antibody in sera.


CONCLUSIONS
Formation of hsp60- and hsp70-antibody complexes in the placenta may contribute to the induction of preterm birth. Women sensitized to these antibodies may be at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcome.
Ziegert
M
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Leipzig, Germany.
Witkin
S S
SS
Sziller
I
I
Alexander
H
H
Brylla
E
E
Härtig
W
W
D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000378:metabolism*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D018834:Chaperonin 60 / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D018840:HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D018841:HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D010920:Placenta / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome
D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D018834:Chaperonin 60; D018840:HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; D018841:HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins; D007074:Immunoglobulin G