title: Interferon gamma expression during human pregnancy and in association with labour.
abstract: In this study, the expression of the type 1 cytokine, interferon gamma (IFNgamma) during human gestation and in association with labour was assessed. Immunoreactive (ir) IFNgamma concentrations (ng/ml) were quantified in maternal plasma (n = 136) and amniotic fluid (n = 68). In addition, irlFNgamma content (pg/mg protein) was determined in term gestational tissues (placenta, amnion and choriodecidua, n = 39). In peripheral plasma, irlFNgamma was detected in 34% of all samples assayed. Where detected, the concentration averaged 0.19 +/- 0.03 ng IFNgamma/ml plasma (mean +/- SEM). During pregnancy, irlFNgamma concentrations in maternal plasma declined significantly (p < 0.05). irlFNgamma was identified in all gestational tissues examined and content increased significantly with labour status (p < 0.01). irlFNgamma was not detectable in amniotic fluid (assay sensitivity = 0.02 ng/ml) at any stage of pregnancy. The data obtained are consistent with the hypothesis that, during pregnancy, cell-mediated immunity is suppressed. At term and in association with labour and delivery, lower plasma IFNgamma concentrations and high tissue content may indicate a contributing role for IFNgamma in parturition.
authors.affiliation: Perinatal Research Centre, Department of Perinatal Medicine, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Royal Women's Hospital, Carlton, Vic., Australia.
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Veith
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Rice
mesh_terms: D000650:Amnion / Q000737:chemistry; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D002823:Chorion / Q000737:chemistry; D003656:Decidua / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000378:metabolism*; D010920:Placenta / Q000737:chemistry; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D007371:Interferon-gamma