IL-11 expression in human term placental macrophages.
OBJECTIVE
IL-11 is a cytokine with pleiotropic activities, including gestational effects. Whereas IL-11 production by maternal reproductive tissues is extensively studied, there is poor information about IL-11 sources in the fetal counterpart of the maternal-fetal unit.


METHODS
We investigated the expression of IL-11 in the purified human term placenta macrophages, using flow cytometry and immunoenzyme assay.


RESULTS
Intracellular IL-11 was detected in a substantial proportion of cultured CD68(+) cells (median 38%). IL-11 secretion by the placental macrophages was observed after 23-hr cultivation (median 4.3 pg/10(5) cells). Stimulation with lipopolysaccharide did not significantly change both intracellular expression and secretion of the cytokine.


CONCLUSIONS
Demonstrated IL-11 expression by placental macrophages suggests that non-trophoblast cells contribute to IL-11 production at the maternal-fetal interface and thus account for the reproductive effects of the cytokine.
Pavlov
Oleg V
OV
Department of Immunology, D.O.Ott Institute for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint-Petersburg, Russia. ovpavlov@hotmail.com
Kramareva
Natalia L
NL
Selkov
Sergei A
SA
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / Q000032:analysis; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D017370:Interleukin-11 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000276:immunology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D010920:Placenta / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000097382:CD68 Molecule
D015703:Antigens, CD; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic; D017370:Interleukin-11; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C067980:CD68 antigen, human; D000097382:CD68 Molecule