Poly I-C induces early embryo loss in f344 rats: a potential role for NK cells.
OBJECTIVE
Natural killer (NK) cells were associated with first trimester embryo loss. The current study in the inbred F344 rat assessed the role of NK cells in mediating resorptions caused by poly I-C, a non-specific immunostimulator.


METHODS
On fifth day of gestation, rats were injected intraperitoneally with anti-NKR-P1 (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) to deplete NK cells, and with mouse serum or saline to control for non-specific effects. Poly I-C (4 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle were administered 2 days later. Resorptions were assessed on day 13.5.


RESULTS
Poly I-C significantly elevated resorption rates, and anti-NKR-P1 abolished this effect. Body weight was reduced in all rats treated with poly I-C, including NK-depleted rats. This indicates the ability of NK-depleted rats to respond to poly I-C, yet to refrain from the resorption-promoting effects of poly I-C.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests a role for NK cells in mediating poly I-C-induced resorptions.
Arad
Michal
M
Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Atzil
Shir
S
Shakhar
Keren
K
Adoni
Anat
A
Ben-Eliyahu
Shamgar
S
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D020964:Embryo Loss / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D011070:Poly I-C / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D013997:Time Factors
D011070:Poly I-C