T helper cell cytokine profiles in preterm labor.
OBJECTIVE
To compare concentrations of T-helper cell cytokines in women with preterm labor (PTL) to normal pregnancies.


METHODS
Fourteen women with PTL and 13 women with normal pregnancies from 24 to 34 weeks were enrolled in this pilot study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and cervical secretions were collected. PBMCs were cultured and stimulated with mitogens. Culture supernatants and cervical secretions were assayed for type 1 (interferon-gamma, IL-12) and type 2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.


RESULTS
There were no intergroup differences in median cytokine concentrations in PBMC cultures, or in ratios of type 1/type 2 cytokines. In cervical secretions, the median concentration of IL-4 was significantly higher in control patients.


CONCLUSIONS
PTL patients appeared to have an altered T-helper cytokine balance in cervical secretions. Further study of the role of cytokines produced in the adaptive response appears warranted.
Hollier
Lisa M
LM
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas, Houston Medical School, Houston, TX, USA. lisa.m.hollier@uth.tmc.edu
Rivera
Marta K
MK
Henninger
Evelyn
E
Gilstrap
Larry C
LC
Marshall
Gailen D
GD
D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000378:metabolism*; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000378:metabolism
D016207:Cytokines; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins