title: Immunohistochemical distribution of toll-like receptor 4 in preterm human fetal membrane.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) is the major receptor used for recognition of specific gram negative bacteria by the host immune system. The role of TLR-4 has been revealed in preterm parturition. This study aims to demonstrate the immunohistochemical expression of TLR-4 with regard to histological layers and anatomical regions of the human fetal membranes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fetal membranes were obtained from the uterine fundus and low segment. Immunohistochemical staining for TLR-4 and hematoxylin and eosin stain were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The chorion expressed significantly higher levels of TLR-4 than the amnion (P=0.001). There was no difference in the expression of TLR-4 between the uterine fundus and the uterine low segment (P=0.942). There was no significant difference in TLR-4 expression according to the presence of histological chorioamnionitis (P=0.444). TLR-4 expression decreased significantly with the progression of gestation (P=0.002).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The level of expression of TLR-4 did not differ according to anatomic location, but did differ according to the histological layer of the human fetal membranes and gestational age. These results suggest that TLR-4 may be involved in preterm parturition.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology Pathology Microbiology, Yonsei University, Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Seong Jin
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Soon-Hee
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Minseob
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eom
authors.forename: Kyoung Hee
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: In-Bai
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Soo-Ki
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000378:metabolism*; D051197:Toll-Like Receptor 4 / Q000378:metabolism*; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D051197:Toll-Like Receptor 4