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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Differential distribution of NK cells in decidua basalis compared with decidua parietalis after uncomplicated human term pregnancy.

As pregnancy progresses, a characteristic decline in the percentage of CD56bright CD16- uterine natural killer (NK) cells occurs. Studies of term decidua, however, have focused only on leukocytes derived from decidua basalis, the site of implantation. The decidua parietalis, lining the remainder of the uterine cavity is another important region of the maternal-fetal interface that forms contact with fetal tissue at the end of the first trimester. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible differences in expression of CD16 and CD56 on leukocytes from normal term decidua basalis and decidua parietalis. Decidua basalis and parietalis samples were obtained from 30 placentas collected after elective cesarean section. Percentages of leukocyte subpopulations and NK cell subsets within the CD45+ cell fraction were determined by flow cytometry. In six decidual samples, concurrent immunohistochemical staining was performed. Higher percentages of CD56dim CD16+ NK cells and CD56- CD16+ cells were found in decidua basalis in comparison to decidua parietalis. In contrast, the percentage of CD56bright CD16- uterine NK cells was significantly higher in decidua parietalis. Immunohistochemical quantification supported flow cytometric results. We conclude that significant differences exist with respect to the distribution of NK cells in term decidua basalis and parietalis. Future functional studies may improve our understanding of their role at the maternal-fetal interface.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed2003

Increased T-cell activation in decidua parietalis compared to decidua basalis in uncomplicated human term pregnancy.

PROBLEM: The aim of this study was to quantify and compare activated T cells in term decidua basalis and parietalis using flow cytometry. METHOD OF STUDY: Term decidua basalis and parietalis samples were obtained from 20 placentas collected after elective caesarean section. Percentages of leukocyte subclasses within the CD45+ cell fraction and activated T cells were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in CD45+, CD14+, CD19+, and CD3+ cell percentages. However, within the CD3+ population, there were significantly more T-cell receptor-gamma(delta)+ (TCR-gamma(delta)-) and CD8+ cells in decidua parietalis compared with decidua basalis. More importantly, percentages of T cells expressing CD25, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR, CD45RO, and CD69 markers were significantly increased in decidua parietalis. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that there are more activated T cells in decidua parietalis than in decidua basalis. Further investigation into differences between the two decidual sites may expand our understanding of the immunology of the maternal-fetal interface.

CD3 Complex↗
PubMed1992

Human decidua is a target tissue for bradykinin and kallikrein: phosphoinositide hydrolysis accompanies arachidonic acid release in uterine decidua cells in vitro.

The endocrine and intracellular mechanisms regulating prostaglandin precursor release in the uterine decidua during labor are unknown. This in vitro study investigates a potential role for a kallikrein-kinin system in the activation of phospholipid hydrolysis and arachidonic acid release in human decidua cells. Primary cultures of human decidua cells were prelabeled with [3H]inositol or [14C]arachidonic acid to monitor phosphoinositide hydrolysis and prostaglandin precursor release, respectively. Bradykinin (100 nmol/L) stimulated a rapid release of arachidonic acid (within 2 min) associated with an increase in inositol trisphosphate which was detectable after 20 s. Protein kinase C activation by phorbol ester enhanced arachidonic acid release in response to both bradykinin and the Ca++ ionophore A23187 but inhibited bradykinin-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Epidermal growth factor also enhanced arachidonate release in response to both bradykinin and A23187. Kallikrein stimulated both phosphoinositide hydrolysis and arachidonic acid release in decidua cells. Kallikrein action was inhibited by the kallikrein protease inhibitor aprotinin and D-Arg[Hyp3Thi5,8,D-Phe7] bradykinin, a B2 receptor antagonist. Bradykinin also stimulated prostaglandin F2 alpha production in both primary decidua cell cultures and fibroblasts in the presence of interleukin-1 beta. These findings are consistent with a mediatory role for bradykinin in the action of kallikrein on decidua cells and suggest that inositol phospholipid hydrolysis is instrumental for arachidonic acid release in response to bradykinin in these cells. This study supports a novel role for a kallikrein-kinin system in the human uterine decidua.

Arachidonic Acids↗
PubMed1997

Gestational age-dependent expression of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) phosphoisoforms in human extraembryonic cavities, maternal serum, and decidua suggests decidua as the primary source of IGFBP-1 in these fluids during early pregnancy.

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their binding proteins (IGFBPs) are important regulators of fetal and maternal tissue development during pregnancy. Posttranslational modification of IGFBP-1 yields up to six IGFBP-1 phosphovariants and a nonphosphorylated form, which in vitro, have some different properties. Nonphospho IGFBP-1 has less affinity for IGFs than the phospho isoforms and also may have IGF-independent actions. Herein, we have investigated the complement of IGFBP-1 phosphoisoforms present in extraembryonic coelomic (EEC) fluid, amniotic fluid (AF), and maternal serum (MS) throughout human gestation. Also, to determine potential tissue source(s) of IGFBP-1 in these fluids, we have quantified IGFBP-1 and examined IGFBP-1 phosphoisoforms in conditioned media (CM) from maternal decidua, fetal liver, and fetal kidney explants throughout gestation. Western immunodetection revealed that IGFBP-1, present in EEC and AF in early pregnancy and in CM from early pregnancy decidua, is primarily in the nonphosphorylated form. MS in this period contains primarily the nonphospho form and, as in nonpregnant adults, the highly phosphorylated form of IGFBP-1. The phosphorylation profile of IGFBP-1 in AF, MS, and decidua CM changes as pregnancy progresses. All the IGFBP-1 phosphoisoforms ultimately are produced by decidua and are present in midgestation MS, and all but the most highly phosphorylated form are present in AF. In late gestation, MS contains primarily the highly phosphorylated form. In contrast, profiles in CM from explants of fetal liver and kidney at different gestational ages remain unchanged. Nonphosphorylated IGFBP-1 is the primary form in fetal kidney CM, whereas fetal liver CM contains all IGFBP-1 phosphoisoforms. Concentrations of IGFBP-1 in fetal liver and kidney CM are significantly lower (482 +/- 146 and 120 +/- 32 ng/mL x 100 mg wet wt tissue, respectively) than in decidua CM (11,417 +/- 2,358 ng/mL x 100 mg wet wt tissue). The data cumulatively suggest that maternal decidua is the primary source of IGFBP-1 in EEC, AF, and MS in early pregnancy and that fetal liver and kidney are not likely significant contributors. The presence of nonphospho IGFBP-1 in AF, EEC, and MS suggests an important role for this isoform during early gestation.

Body Fluids↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Quantitative comparison of prolactin production by decidua compacta and spongiosa from the first trimester elective termination of pregnancy.

Prolactin (PRL) producing capacity was studied in explants of decidua compacta and decidua spongiosa obtained from 41 patients undergoing termination of pregnancy at gestation 6 to 12 weeks. In vitro PRL producing capacity, expressed as mIU/g protein, of the decidua compacta was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of decidua spongiosa. Production of PRL increased with gestation from 6 to 12 weeks with a more rapid rate at the later gestation. The pattern of increase fitted significantly (P < 0.0001) to the exponential model for both decidua compacta and decidua spongiosa. The exponential regression equations for decidua compacta and decidua spongiosa were (ln y = 4.25 + 0.19x) and (ln y = 2.80 + 0.31x) respectively. Hence, although both decidua compacta and decidua spongiosa had a similar pattern of increase in PRL production, the rate of increment was significantly greater in decidua spongiosa than in decidua compacta. These findings suggest that separating decidua compacta and decidua spongiosa of the first trimester would reduce the heterogeneity of decidual tissue and offer a new approach to the studies of the synthesis, release and regulation of PRL production by human decidua.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1999

Difference in mRNA expression and occurrence of plasminogen activator inhibitors in intrauterine decidua of normal and ectopic human pregnancies.

The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the formation of a functional decidua. The concentrations of plasminogen activators and plasminogen activator inhibitors in intrauterine decidua from normal and ectopic pregnancies were compared. Intrauterine decidua was obtained by curettage from 17 women with ectopic pregnancies and from five women with normal pregnancies. The gestational age was similar in the two groups. The antigen concentrations of plasminogen activators and plasminogen activator inhibitors in decidua homogenate were determined by ELISA and fibrinolytic activity was measured on fibrin plates. Localization was determined by immunohistochemical staining and mRNA was identified by in situ hybridization. Fibrinolytic activity was absent in decidua from normal pregnancies but present in the intrauterine decidua from ectopic pregnancies. High antigen concentrations of the inhibitors of fibrinolysis, PAI-1 and PAI-2, were found in normal decidua in contrast to low concentrations in decidua from ectopic pregnancies. Staining for PAI-1 as well as PAI-2 was positive in decidual cells. In situ hybridization resulted in high intensity signals for PAI-1 as well as for PAI-2 mRNA in decidua from normal pregnancies in contrast to very low intensity signals in decidua from ectopic pregnancies. The absence of proteolytic activity and high expression of PAI-1 and PAI-2 in normal decidua might facilitate attachment of the fertilized ovum and might also prevent detachment of the decidua.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Defective production of interleukin-11 by decidua and chorionic villi in human anembryonic pregnancy.

Previous study demonstrated that IL-11 receptor alpha knockout female mice (IL-11Ralpha(-/-)) were phenotypically normal but infertile due to defective decidualization. However, the role of IL-11 signaling in human reproduction remains unclear. This study examined the expression of IL-11, IL-11Ralpha, and signal transduction factor glycoprotein 130 in different phases of endometrium (six in proliferative phase and four in secretory phase), and the decidua and villi of normal pregnancy (NP; n = 25) and anembryonic pregnancy (AP; n = 25) in the first trimester (gestational week 7-9). RT-PCR showed IL-11, IL-11Ralpha, and glycoprotein 130 mRNA expression in all samples, except the absence of IL-11 signal in the unstimulated MRC-5 cell and the proliferative phase endometrium. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that the relative level of IL-11Ralpha mRNA was not significantly different among proliferative phase endometrium (relative level; mean +/- SEM, 1.4 +/- 0.5), secretory phase endometrium (1.3 +/- 0.1), or decidua from NP or AP (1.7 +/- 0.3 and 1.9 +/- 0.4, respectively), but was significantly greater in chorionic villi either from NP or AP (7.6 +/- 1.3 and 10.6 +/- 1.9, respectively; both P < 0.05, compared with decidua or endometrium). No difference of IL-11Ralpha mRNA level was found between NP and AP (1.7 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.9 +/- 0.4 in deciduas; 7.6 +/- 1.3 vs. 10.6 +/- 1.9 in villi; both P > 0.05). In situ hybridization localized IL-11Ralpha mRNA expression in proliferative phase endometrium (stroma only), secretory phase endometrium (stroma and gland), decidua (stroma and gland), and villi (trophoblast and stroma). The staining intensities were not distinctly different between different groups of samples or between different cell types in a sample. No difference in IL-11Ralpha expression was found between NP and AP when either decidua or chorionic villi was analyzed. IL-11 mRNA level was not detected in the proliferative phase (relative level, 0.0 +/- 0.0), was barely detectable in the secretory phase (0.03 +/- 0.02), and was significantly increased in decidua (1.7 +/- 0.2 and 0.1 +/- 0.1, respectively, for NP and AP) and chorionic villi (13.0 +/- 2.2 and 0.2 +/- 0.1). In addition, IL-11 mRNA level was higher in NP than in AP both in decidua (1.7 +/- 0.2 vs. 0.1 +/- 0.1; P = 0.03) and in villi (13.0 +/- 2.2 vs. 0.2 +/- 0.1; P < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry study showed that IL-11 was nearly absent in endometrium in both phases, but clearly detectable in decidua and villi. Consistent with the results of quantitative PCR, the staining intensity was stronger in villi and decidua from NP than those from AP. The spatial and temporal changes in IL-11 and its receptor observed in this study suggest that IL-11 may be produced both by the embryo (predominantly) and the decidual cells and exerts its action on chorionic villi and decidua in an autocrine or paracrine manner. In the presence of a baseline level of IL-11Ralpha, IL-11 may subsequently regulate placentation and decidualization for the maintenance of a NP. The finding of decreased IL-11 expression in the absence of any change in IL-11Ralpha in AP suggests that defective expression of IL-11 but not IL-11Ralpha may account for certain cases of AP.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Cytokine microenvironments in human first trimester decidua are dependent on trophoblast cells.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cytokine expression profiles of decidua basalis (containing trophoblast cells) and decidua parietalis (without trophoblast cells) for determination of microenvironments in human first trimester decidua. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: School of Medicine, RWTH University of Aachen, Aachen Germany, and Bourgognekliniek Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands. PATIENT(S): Forty-six women who had undergone elective first-trimester termination of viable pregnancy at 5 to 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Quantitative cytokine protein analysis in decidual tissues by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, qualitative cytokine messenger (m)RNA analysis in isolated decidual cell samples, and comparative mRNA and protein analysis in tissues of decidua basalis compared with decidua parietalis. RESULT(S): Interleukin-2, interferon-gamma (Th-1), interleukin-4 (Th-2), and interleukin-1beta proteins are expressed in the human first-trimester decidua. Interleukin-2, interferon-gamma, and interleukin-4 mRNA mainly derive from the decidual tissue leukocytes. Interleukin-1beta mRNA is expressed by all decidual cell types. Interferon-gamma mRNA and protein is detected predominantly in the decidua basalis, which contains trophoblast cells. CONCLUSION(S): Microenvironments are established topographically by different expression of cytokines in decidua basalis and decidua parietalis. These locally specific patterns are indicative of fetomaternal cross-talk. Higher interferon-gamma concentrations in decidua basalis may influence leukocyte differentiation (e.g., macrophage activation) and trophoblast invasion (e.g., by induction of expression of major histocompatibility complex).

Cytokines↗
PubMed1993

Immunolocalization of oestrogen and progesterone receptors in the human decidua in relation to prolactin production.

The distribution of oestrogen and progesterone receptors within the decidualized stroma of the uterus was examined in early and term human pregnancy and the results related to the effect of oestradiol and progesterone on prolactin production by decidua in vitro. In early pregnancy progesterone receptors were present in the nucleus of decidualized cells of both the capsularis and parietalis but not in glandular cells. In contrast at term progesterone receptors were located within the cytoplasm of decidual cells. Oestrogen receptors were detected only in the nucleus and were present in greater amounts in decidua capsularis than parietalis in early pregnancy, but were not detectable in term decidua. Both oestrogen and progesterone receptors were present in the nuclei of cells of arterioles within the decidua. In early pregnancy prolactin production decreased during in-vitro culture of decidua parietalis but was maintained in decidua capsularis, associated with an increase in progesterone production by the decidua capsularis. In term decidua, prolactin production in vitro was only stimulated by a combination of oestradiol and progesterone. These results suggest, firstly, that maintained decidualization and prolactin production by decidua capsularis during treatment of women in early pregnancy with the anti-progestin mifepristone is not due to an absence of progesterone receptor; secondly, there is a shift in immunoreactive progesterone receptor in decidual cells from the nucleus in early pregnancy to the cytoplasm in term pregnancy. This may indicate an alteration in the action of progesterone around the time of parturition; and thirdly, in term decidua, progesterone, apparently acting through the cytoplasmic receptor, is active in increasing prolactin production in vitro only when combined with oestradiol.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1981

Synthesis of prolactin by human decidua in vitro.

Human decidua, chorion, amnion and placenta from the 1st., 2nd. and 3rd. trimesters of gestation were investigated for synthesis and secretion of prolactin by in vitro incubation of these tissue fragments in medium 199. Prolactin content in decidua was found to be significantly higher than that in chorion, amnion or placenta at any stages of gestation. During 6 hours of incubation, decidua secreted significantly more prolactin into medium than did chorion, amnion or placenta. The amount of prolactin secreted by decidua was significantly higher than the prolactin content in tissue before incubation. Decidua were also incubated in medium 199 with or without actinomycin-D (20-200 micrograms/ml), puromycin (200 micrograms/ml) or cycloheximide (100-200 micrograms/ml) for 12 hours. Both total prolactin secreted into medium and prolactin content in tissue after incubation were significantly lower than the control without inhibitor. Decidua of 2nd. trimester of gestation was noted to secrete more prolactin into medium than decidua of 1st. or 3rd. trimester of gestation. In further studies, 3H-leucine (200 muCi) was incubated for 12 hours with decidua (10 grams) from 2nd. trimester of gestation. The incorporated protein in medium or tissue was extracted, fractionated by gel filtration through Sephadex G-100 column and by 10% SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Peaks of 3H count and immunoreactive prolactin in gel slices were coincident with the peak of standard pituitary prolactin at gel slices' No. 31 (Rf = 0.62). These results demonstrate that prolactin is synthesized and secreted by human decidua, which is identical to human pituitary prolactin. The synthetic activity is most prominent in the decidua of the 2nd. trimester of pregnancy.

Amnion↗
PubMed1998

Developmental expression and regulation of basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in rat decidua and in a decidual cell line.

During pregnancy, the decidua is comprised of two separate tissues located either mesometrially or antimesometrially in the uterus. Trophoblast invasion takes place only in the mesometrial decidua, where extensive angiogenesis, essential for successful implantation, occurs. Both basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been implicated in this phenomenon. The aim of this study was to determine whether the expression of both growth factors is intrinsic to decidua and occurs in the absence of conceptuses, whether their genes are expressed specifically in the mesometrial decidua, the site of angiogenesis, and whether both growth factors are developmentally and hormonally regulated. Decidual tissue was dissected from pseudopregnant rats and levels of both bFGF and VEGF mRNA were examined in mesometrial and antimesometrial decidua by semi-quantitative RT-PCR at different stages of pseudopregnancy. Although induction of decidualization triggered the mRNA expression of bFGF, VEGF mRNA expression remained unchanged. VEGF mRNA level was similar in both antimesometrial and mesometrial decidua, and remained constant throughout pseudopregnancy. In sharp contrast, bFGF mRNA was highly expressed in the mesometrial decidua at a time when extensive angiogenesis takes place in this tissue. Very little signal was observed in the antimesometrial decidua. To examine the regulation of these growth factors, we used a temperature-sensitive decidual cell line developed by transforming antimesometrial decidual cells with SV-40 tsA 209 mutant virus. These cells express both bFGF and VEGF mRNA. Because progesterone is necessary for decidualization and decidua secretes prolactin (PRL)-related hormones, we examined the role of these hormones on VEGF and bFGF mRNA expressions. Neither progesterone nor PRL had any effect on VEGF mRNA levels. However, bFGF mRNA expression was greatly stimulated by PRL. In conclusion, results of this investigation have revealed that bFGF, but not VEGF, mRNA becomes highly expressed in the mesometrial decidua, where angiogenesis occurs, and where trophoblasts, by invading decidual cells, may promote the release of bFGF. In addition, these results indicate that the locally secreted PRL-like hormone up-regulates the mRNA expression of bFGF.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in human endometrium, decidua and trophoblast cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in human normal endometrium, decidua and trophoblast cells of early pregnancy, and to explore the effect of EGFR on cell proliferation and development. METHODS: To localize the EGFR expression in glandular and stromal cells of normal endometrium, decidua with immunohistochemical method (ABC), and to analyse the related quantity of EGFR mRNA by RT-PCR method. RESULTS: There were EGFR expression in both normal endometrium and decidua. EGFR protein located on cell membrane, nuclear membrane and in the cytoplasm as well, and located in the neuclear of glandular and stromal cells in decidua. The expression of EGFR in glandular cells was significantly stronger than that in the stroma (P < 0.05), while there was no difference of EGFR expression in the glands during the menstrual cycle (P > 0.05). However, the expression of EGFR in the glands of decidua was significantly higher than that in the proliferative and secretory endometrium (P < 0.05). The intensity of staining in stromal cells listed in order from the strongest was early decidua > secretory endometrium > proliferative endometrium, the differences were significant (P < 0.05). The related quantity of EGFR mRNA expression in proliferative, secretory endometrium, decidua and trophoblasts were: 0.531 +/- 0.061, 0.594 +/- 0.121, 0.732 +/- 0.032, 0.828 +/- 0.034, respectively. There was no difference during the menstrual cycle, but that in the decidua and trophoblasts were significantly higher than that in the proliferative and secretory endometrium (P < 0.05), and that in the trophoblasts was the highest. CONCLUSION: EGFR expression was present in the proliferative and secretory endometrium, decidua and trophoblasts of early pregnancy, and it was significantly higher in the decidua and trophoblasts than that during the menstrual cycle.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

[Synthesis of prolactin by human decidua in vitro (author's transl)].

Human decidua, chorion, amnion and placenta from 1st., 2nd. and 3rd. trimesters of gestation were investigated for synthesis and secretion of prolactin by in vitro incubation of these tissue fragments in medium 199. Prolactin content in decidua was found to be significantly higher than those in chorion, amnion or placenta at any stages of gestation. During 6 hours of incubation, decidua secreted significantly more prolactin into medium than did chorion, amnion or placenta. Amount of prolactin secreted by decidua was significantly higher than prolactin content in tissue before incubation. Decidua were also incubated in medium 199 with or without actinomycin-D (20-200 microgram/ml), puromycin (200 microgram/ml) or cycloheximide (100-200 microgram/ml) for 12 hours. Both total prolactin secretion into medium and prolactin content in tissue after incubation were significantly lower as compared to control without inhibitor. Decidua of 2nd. trimester of gestation was noted to secrete more prolactin into medium than decidua of 1st. or 3rd. trimester of gestation. In further studies, radioleucine (200 uCi) was incubated for 12 hours with decidua (10 grams) from 2nd. trimester of gestation, the incorporated radioprotein in medium or tissue was extracted, fractionated by Sephadex G-100 chromatography and by 10% SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Peaks of radioactivity and immunoreactive prolactin in gel slices were coincident with the peak of human pituitary prolactin (NIAMDD, hPRL, Friesen No. 1) at Kf = 0.62 (gel slice No. 31). In addition, mRNA was extracted from decidual tissue by oligo-d (T)-cellulose chromatography, which was then used for cell-free system translation study. The translation product of decidual mRNA and rabbit reticulocyte lysate was shown to be identical to human pituitary prolactin by analysis of gel electrophoresis. These results demonstrate that prolactin synthesized and secreted by human decidua is identical to human pituitary prolactin. The synthetic activity is most prominent in the decidua of 2nd. trimester of gestation.

Amnion↗
PubMed1986

Active suppression of host-versus-graft reaction in pregnant mice. VIII. The uterine decidua-associated suppressor cell is distinct from decidual NK cells.

The fetus resulting from allogeneic mating expresses a variety of antigens that may serve as targets for rejection by the maternal immune system. Accumulation of non-T suppressor cells into the uterine decidua of allopregnant mice may serve to prevent such rejection. It has been previously shown that the suppressor activity in decidua during the second half of murine pregnancy is predominantly associated with a population of small lymphocytes with cytoplasmic granules that lack T-cell markers and inhibit the generation of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) against paternal alloantigens both in vitro and in vivo. Since natural killer cells (NK) also possess cytoplasmic granules and may regulate the murine immune response, we examined the hypothesis that the decidua-associated non-T suppressor cell may represent a regulatory type of NK cell. Similar to NK cells, the decidua-associated suppressor cell expressed FcR for IgG. Unlike NK cells, the decidua-associated suppressor cell proved resistant to treatment with anti-asialo GM1 + C'. Sedimentation velocity examination demonstrated that decidua-associated NK activity was associated with cell population with a modal sedimentation of 4 mm/hr that was larger than the decidua-associated suppressor population. Potent suppressor cell activity was also recovered from the decidua of NK deficient allopregnant bg/bg mice. Therefore, decidua-associated NK cells and suppressor cells represent two distinct populations.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Cell-specific expression of activin and its two binding proteins in the rat decidua: role of alpha 2-macroglobulin and follistatin.

Rat decidual tissue is formed by two distinct decidual cell populations located either antimesometrially or mesometrially in the uterus. They differ in morphology, the genes they express, the proteins they secrete, and the role they play during pregnancy. Recently, we have shown that rat decidua expresses follistatin and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2-MG), two binding proteins to activin. In the present study, we determined whether the decidua of pregnant and pseudopregnant rats also expresses activin, whether activin messenger RNA (mRNA) is confined to a particular cell population, and whether it is regulated by its binding proteins. Decidual and placental tissues were collected at different stages of pseudopregnancy or pregnancy. mRNA expression was examined by in situ hybridization, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and Northern analysis. Developmental studies revealed that activin A became highly expressed in the antimesometrial decidua only from day 11 at a time when this tissue was undergoing extensive degeneration. Very little activin A mRNA could be detected in the mesometrial decidua. However, late in pregnancy, significant expression of activin A mRNA was detected in the mesometrial decidua undergoing extensive cell death at this stage. Developmental study revealed that activin A mRNA became expressed in the antimesometrial decidua only when follistatin mRNA disappeared from this tissue. Furthermore, mesometrial decidua expressing the most alpha 2-MG mRNA had reduced levels of activin A mRNA. These data suggest that follistatin and alpha 2-MG may, by binding to activin, prevent activin A from stimulating the expression of its own gene. To examine this possibility we first established that the rat decidua expresses activin receptor II at a constant level between days 11-15. Then we examined whether follistatin and alpha 2-MG down-regulate activin expression in a simian virus 40-transformed decidual cell line (GG-AD). These cells express activin A mRNA in abundance, very little follistatin, and no alpha 2-MG. Follistatin and alpha 2-MG caused a dose-related decrease in activin A mRNA levels in these cells. The same inhibitory effect was observed with activin A-blocking antibody. In summary, the results of this investigation demonstrate that rat decidual tissue expresses mRNAs for activin A and its two binding proteins; follistatin and alpha 2-MG. The expression of each mRNA is cell specific and developmentally regulated. The finding that both activin-binding proteins and antibody inhibit the expression of activin A in cultured decidual cells suggests that activin regulates its own gene expression in the decidua.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Activins↗
PubMed1997

Action of capparis decidua against alloxan-induced oxidative stress and diabetes in rat tissues.

Alloxan-induced diabetic rats were treated with insulin (i.p.) or with Capparis decidua powder as a hypoglycaemic agent mixed with diet. The effect was assessed on lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the antioxidant defense system in rat tissues. The increased levels of blood glucose in diabetes produce superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals in the presence of transition metal ions which cause oxidative damage to cell membranes. The heart tissue showed an increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) in diabetic rats while no significant change was observed in the liver and kidney. The treatment with C. decidua lowered LPO in these tissues even more effectively than insulin-treated rats. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in the heart and kidneys in the diabetic group of rats probably to increase dismutation of superoxide anions. However, treatment with C. decidua decreased SOD activity in the liver and kidney and was comparable to control rats. Catalase (CAT) activity was not significantly affected in any of the tissues in diabetic and insulin-treated animals, however, CAT activity markedly increased in tissues with C. decidua treatment. Total and Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the heart was markedly lowered in diabetic rats which recovered with insulin as well as with C. decidua treatment. The increase in GSH-Px and CAT activity with C. decidua treatment may lower H2O2 toxicity and reduce oxidative stress in diabetes. However, glutathione (GSH) content in the heart and kidney and glutathione reductase (GSH-R) activity in all the tissues studied increased in diabetic rats while treatment with insulin lowered GSH content and GSH-R activity in these tissues. The treatment with C. decidua also decreased GSH-R activity in the kidney and heart which resulted in the decrease in GSH content in these tissues. The changes such as the increase in kidney and heart SOD may be an adaptive response in order to neutralize superoxide anions. The increase in GSH content and GSH-R activity in the tissue are in response to neutralize superoxide anions and to counteract oxidative stress in diabetes. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) was not significantly affected in diabetic rat tissue, however, heart GST increased with antidiabetic treatments. The increase in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) in the kidney and heart of diabetic rats subsequently decreased with C. decidua treatment. The increase in G6PDH in tissues may increase NADPH generation required for GSH-R activity and GSH production. It is suggested that these changes initially counteract the oxidative stress in diabetes, however, a gradual decrease in the antioxidative process may be one of the factors which results in chronic diabetes. The data indicate that C. decidua may have potential use as an antidiabetic agent and in lowering oxidative stress in diabetes.

Alloxan↗
PubMed1993

An immunohistochemical study of leucocytes in human endometrium, first and third trimester basal decidua.

An immunohistochemical quantitative study of leucocyte subpopulations on fresh human endometrium and on biopsy specimens of first and third trimester basal decidua in normal (uncomplicated) pregnancies was performed. The most prominent population in endometrial and decidual stroma of basal decidua are macrophages. B cells as well as gamma/delta T cell receptor positive cells were found occasionally, scattered throughout the endometrial/decidual stroma. CD3+ cells were present in a relatively small number in the endometrium as well as in the first trimester basal decidua, but their number was elevated (doubled) in the third trimester of pregnancy. CD2+ cells showed a slight increase in first trimester basal decidua when compared with both endometrium and third trimester basal decidua. Cells with positive NKH-1 marker (CD56+) showed a significant increase in the first trimester, while in the third trimester their number diminished drastically. CD56:CD3 cell ratio increased to more than five times in first trimester basal decidua, while in the third trimester basal decidua decreased drastically. The mentioned increase of CD56+ cells in the first trimester and that of CD3+ cells at term suggests that these cells could have some specific function(s). However, it still has to be established whether the described quantitative changes of decidual leucocytes in basal decidua during pregnancy are of any importance for the mechanism(s) for the fetal allograft protection.

Antigens, CD↗