6 research outputs found

    Potential role of interleukin-1 at the peri-ovulation stage in a species of placental viviparous reptile, the three-toed skink, Chalcides chalcides (squamata: scincidae)

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    We recently showed that interleukin-1 (IL-1) is secreted by the placenta of a species of squamate reptile, the three-toed skink, Chalcides chalcides. In this study, we used immunohistochemical techniques to investigate the expression of IL-1 (in the two isoforms, IL-1α and IL-1β) and its specific membrane receptor IL-1 RtI in uterine oviduct during the peri-implantation period. We found that both IL-1 and its receptor were expressed in uterine tissues before and after ovulation (in the pre-ovulatory stage, even before the yolk had formed in the ovary). However, while IL-1α was mostly localized in the uterine mesenchyme tissue, IL-1β and IL-1RtI were present in the uterine epithelium. Our data provide a further comparison between the reproduction of mammals and squamate reptiles

    In Vitro Tests for Detecting Chemicals Affecting the Embryo Implantation Process

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    This is the report of the xxxxxxx of a series of workshops organised by the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM). ECVAM' s main goal, as defined in 1993 by its Scientific Advisory Committee, is to promote the scientific and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods which are of importance to the biosciences and which reduce, refine or replace the use of laboratory animals. The workshop on in vitro tests for detecting chemicals affecting the implantation process and placental toxicity was held in Ispra, Italy, on 2–3 October 2006, under the co-chairmanship of Susanne Bremer and Lennart Dencker. The workshop was built on the reports and recommendations of ECVAM Workshop 53 (1) and on the Research Area of Implantation-WP2 ReProTect Workshops held in Copenhagen on January 2005 and Uppsala on May 2005 (information not published). It was one of a series of strategic workshops within ReProTect, an integrated project aimed at furthering the development of in vitro methods in the area of reproductive toxicology, which consists of a consortium of 32 European partners and is financially supported by the European Commission with Euro 9.1 million. The ReProTect Research Area of “implantation” is aiming to develop tests and testing batteries that are able to detect chemical effects in various target cells/tissues and mechanisms involved in the preparation of the uterus for the implantation of the embryo as well as on placentation. The workshop, which was attended by 15 invited participants from six European Countries reviewed a number of possible subendpoints relevant for the process of implantation placental toxicity, and discussed and evaluated alternative methods that could mimic these subendpoints in vitro according to their test development status and their relevance. The modular approach was introduced and used as a template for the progression of each test system (2) In addition, the workshop proposes chemical classes and reference chemicals that should be selected for the development of ReProTect tests.JRC.I.2-Validation of biomedical testing method

    Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Is Up-Regulated in Human First-Trimester Placenta Stimulated by Soluble Antigen of Toxoplasma gondii, Resulting in Increased Monocyte Adhesion on Villous Explants

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    Considering the potential role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the inflammation process in placenta when infected by pathogens, we investigated the production of this cytokine in chorionic villous explants obtained from human first-trimester placentas stimulated with soluble antigen from Toxoplasma gondii (STAg). Parallel cultures were performed with villous explants stimulated with STAg, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), or STAg plus IFN-γ. To assess the role of placental MIF on monocyte adhesiveness to human trophoblast, explants were co-cultured with human myelomonocytic THP-1 cells in the presence or absence of supernatant from cultures treated with STAg (SPN), SPN plus anti-MIF antibodies, or recombinant MIF. A significantly higher concentration of MIF was produced and secreted by villous explants treated with STAg or STAg plus IFN-γ after 24-hour culture. Addition of SPN or recombinant MIF was able to increase THP-1 adhesion, which was inhibited after treatment with anti-MIF antibodies. This phenomenon was associated with intercellular adhesion molecule expression by villous explants. Considering that the processes leading to vertical dissemination of T. gondii remain widely unknown, our results demonstrate that MIF production by human first-trimester placenta is up-regulated by parasite antigen and may play an essential role as an autocrine/paracrine mediator in placental infection by T. gondii
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