Characterization of immune cells and cytokine localization in the rat utero-placental unit mid- to late gestation

During pregnancy the uterine leukocyte population and associated cytokines are involved in multiple functions such as protection against pathogenic microorganisms, tolerance of the embryonic semiallogeneic cells and processes involved in the regulation of trophoblast invasion and uterine spiral artery remodeling. Moreover, altered immune status caused by infection or other pro-inflammatory stimuli have the potential to lead to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and preterm delivery (Raghupathy, 2013; Vrachnis et al., 2010; Xu et al., 2014).
Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Source Type: research