Increased T-cell activation in decidua parietalis compared to decidua basalis in uncomplicated human term pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to quantify and compare activated T cells in term decidua basalis and parietalis using flow cytometry.


METHODS
Term decidua basalis and parietalis samples were obtained from 20 placentas collected after elective caesarean section. Percentages of leukocyte subclasses within the CD45+ cell fraction and activated T cells were determined by flow cytometry.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in CD45+, CD14+, CD19+, and CD3+ cell percentages. However, within the CD3+ population, there were significantly more T-cell receptor-gamma(delta)+ (TCR-gamma(delta)-) and CD8+ cells in decidua parietalis compared with decidua basalis. More importantly, percentages of T cells expressing CD25, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR, CD45RO, and CD69 markers were significantly increased in decidua parietalis.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that there are more activated T cells in decidua parietalis than in decidua basalis. Further investigation into differences between the two decidual sites may expand our understanding of the immunology of the maternal-fetal interface.
Sindram-Trujillo
A
A
Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Scherjon
S
S
Kanhai
H
H
Roelen
D
D
Claas
F
F
D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000378:metabolism; D003656:Decidua / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
D017252:CD3 Complex