Evidence for participation of uterine natural killer cells in the mechanisms responsible for spontaneous preterm labor and delivery
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine in a mouse model whether uterine
natural killer (uNK) cell cytotoxic activation induces infection/inflammation-associated
preterm labor and delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Wild type or interleukin (IL)-10–/–mice were
injected intraperitoneally with lipopolysaccharide on gestational day 14. Mice were either
killed for collection of uteroplacental tissue, spleen, and serum or allowed to deliver.
Uteroplacental tissue was used for histology and characterization of uNK cells. RESULTS …
natural killer (uNK) cell cytotoxic activation induces infection/inflammation-associated
preterm labor and delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Wild type or interleukin (IL)-10–/–mice were
injected intraperitoneally with lipopolysaccharide on gestational day 14. Mice were either
killed for collection of uteroplacental tissue, spleen, and serum or allowed to deliver.
Uteroplacental tissue was used for histology and characterization of uNK cells. RESULTS …
