Medroxyprogesterone acetate modulates the immune response in the uterus, cervix and placenta in a mouse model of preterm birth.
OBJECTIVE
These studies sought to determine whether a progestational agent, specifically medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) prevents inflammation-induced preterm birth, in a mouse model, through modulation of the host immune response.


METHODS
Using an established mouse model of inflammation-induced preterm birth, the activation of the immune response in maternal serum, uterus, cervix and placenta was assessed. In addition, the ability of MPA to modulate this response was investigated. Message RNA and protein expression were assessed by quantitative PCR and ELISAs respectively.


RESULTS
Intrauterine inflammation promotes a significant up-regulation of both TH1 and TH2 mediators in all tissues studies though the response is divergent by time and tissue studied. MPA significantly differentially regulates this immune response in the uterus, cervix and placenta.


CONCLUSIONS
In the setting of inflammation-induced preterm birth, the host immune response is activated and not limited to a traditional TH1 bias. The ability of MPA to modulate the immune response may be a critical mechanism by which progestins prevent preterm birth.
Elovitz
Michal A
MA
Center for Research in Reproduction and Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. melovitz@obgyn.upenn.edu
Gonzalez
Juan
J
D000818:Animals; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects; D007249:Inflammation; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D010920:Placenta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D016207:Cytokines; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate