Detection of human defensin 5 in reproductive tissues
Article Abstract:
The female reproductive tract may possess its own system of fighting infection. Researchers analyzed messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) from placental, uterine, and intestinal tissue and from blood. Tissue from the placenta, inner cervix, and inner lining of the uterus exhibited a substance that was found to be almost identical to human defensin 5. Defensins are small proteins that kill bacteria and viruses and defensin 5 has been identified in the small intestine. The presence of human defensin 5 in female reproductive tissues may reveal a previously unknown ability of these tissues to fight infection.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1997
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Induction and posttranslational expression of cytokines in a first-trimester trophoblast cell line by lipopolysaccharide
Article Abstract:
First trimester placental cells may have the capacity to respond to infection. Cultured human first-trimester placental cells were incubated with a signature molecule of the bacterium Escherichia coli for various lengths of time or grown in media alone. The culture medium was analyzed. Within two hours of adding the signature molecule, the trophoblast cells responded by producing interleukin-1alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and transforming growth factor-beta1. All these substances are involved in the inflammatory response to infection.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1996
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Ethanol-induced expression of cytokines in a first-trimester trophoblast cell line
Article Abstract:
The trophoblast appears to produce immune system chemicals called cytokines when exposed to alcohol and this could explain the immune deficiencies in patients with fetal alcohol syndrome. Researchers exposed a trophoblast cell line to alcohol and found that these cells produced excess quantities of several cytokines compared to cells not exposed to alcohol.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1998
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