title: PP042. Cell surface toll-like receptors in primary first trimester trophoblasts.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The first trimester of pregnancy is characterised by a mild pro-inflammatory environment, however excessive inflammation threatens placental development and function. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial in initiating inflammation. TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6 and TLR10 are expressed on the cell surface, and respond to microbial infection and cell damage and stress signals. Recent findings of TLRs in trophoblasts indicate a role in inflammation during pregnancy, but further studies are warranted.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate gene expression and function of cell surface TLRs in first trimester trophoblasts, to extend knowledge on the role of trophoblast TLRs during placental development.
  
  
  METHODS
  Primary trophoblasts were isolated from first trimester placentas (n=6) by enzyme degradation and density gradient centrifugation. Gene expression of TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6 and TLR10 was quantified by RT-qPCR in primary first trimester trophoblasts and the trophoblast cell line BeWo. Trophoblasts were stimulated with cell surface TLR ligands and pro-inflammatory cytokine release was analysed by multiplex immunoassay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Primary first trimester trophoblasts expressed all cell surface TLR mRNAs, and activation of TLR2/1, TLR4 and TLR5 induced IL-6 and/or IL-8.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The broad expression of functional cell surface TLRs in primary first trimester trophoblasts suggests a central role for trophoblasts in placental inflammation and immune activation.
authors.forename: Line Haugstad
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Tangerås
authors.forename: Guro Sannerud
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Stødle
authors.forename: Guro Dalheim
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Olsen
authors.forename: Ann-Helen
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Leknes
authors.forename: Astrid Solberg
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Gundersen
authors.forename: Bente
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Skei
authors.forename: Anne Jorunn
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Vikdal
authors.forename: Liv
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: Bjørg
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Steinkjer
authors.forename: Merete Fuglesang
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Myklebost
authors.forename: Mette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Langaas
authors.forename: Rigmor
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Austgulen
authors.forename: Ann-Charlotte
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Iversen