Interleukin-3 and human trophoblast: in vitro explanations for the effect of interleukin in patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of interleukin (IL)-3 on in vitro trophoblast differentiation, hormone production, and invasiveness affected by antiphospholipid antibodies.


METHODS
Primary cytotrophoblast cell cultures.


METHODS
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Catholic University, Rome, Italy.


METHODS
Five normal pregnant women underwent uncomplicated vaginal delivery at 36 weeks of gestation.


METHODS
Immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies were isolated from the plasma of two patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and two normal control subjects with the use of protein-G Sepharose columns. Cytotrophoblast cells were dispersed in Ringer's bicarbonate buffer containing trypsin and DNAseI, filtered, and layered over a Percoll gradient in Hank's balanced salt solution.


METHODS
We investigated the effects of IL-3 and antiphospholipid antibodies on trophoblast cell invasiveness, differentiation, and hormone secretion.


RESULTS
IgG obtained from patients with antiphospholipid syndrome bound to trophoblast cells, with inhibitory effects on the cells' invasiveness, differentiation, and hCG secretion. IL-3 was able to restore in vitro placental functions.


CONCLUSIONS
These results imply that IL-3 favorably affects human trophoblast implantation and development.
Di Simone
N
N
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Rome, Italy.
Caliandro
D
D
Castellani
R
R
Ferrazzani
S
S
Caruso
A
A
D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000378:metabolism; D046508:Culture Techniques; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D007377:Interleukin-3 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007378:Interleukins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007377:Interleukin-3; D007378:Interleukins; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone