Tissue-specific IL-10 secretion profile from term human fetal membranes stimulated with pathogenic microorganisms associated with preterm labor in a two-compartment tissue culture system

Abstract

Objective: Interleukin (IL)-10 is a cytokine with anti-inflammatory properties that plays pivotal roles in immune recognition and maintenance of pregnancy, limiting the harmful effects of pro-inflammatory modulators. The aim of this work was to characterize the contribution of amnion and choriodecidua regions of the human fetal membranes in the production of IL-10 after selective stimulation with Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis and Streptococcus agalactiae.

Methods: Pre-labor human fetal membranes were cultured in a two-compartment tissue culture system and stimulated with 1 × 10⁶ CFU/ml of each pathogen added to either the amniotic or choriodecidual region or both.

Results: Candida albicans and G. vaginalis were the pathogens most effective in inducing IL-10 secretion, increasing 20 and 10 times, respectively, the levels of this cytokine in the choriodecidual compartment. Stimulation with S. agalactiae was effective only in the choriodecidual region, increasing two times IL-10 concentration.

Conclusions: Synthesis and secretion of IL-10 in response to three different pathogens associated with intrauterine infection and preterm birth are differential and depend on the nature of the microorganism and initial contact region.

• Chorioamnionitis
• human fetal membranes
• IL-10
• intrauterine infection
• preterm labor

Acknowledgements

We thank Ingrid Mascher for editorial assistance. We would also like to thank the women for their cooperation in donating membranes for research.