Problem: IL-11 is a cytokine with pleiotropic activities, including gestational effects. Whereas IL-11 production by maternal reproductive tissues is extensively studied, there is poor information about IL-11 sources in the fetal counterpart of the maternal-fetal unit.
Method of study: We investigated the expression of IL-11 in the purified human term placenta macrophages, using flow cytometry and immunoenzyme assay.
Results: Intracellular IL-11 was detected in a substantial proportion of cultured CD68(+) cells (median 38%). IL-11 secretion by the placental macrophages was observed after 23-hr cultivation (median 4.3 pg/10(5) cells). Stimulation with lipopolysaccharide did not significantly change both intracellular expression and secretion of the cytokine.
Conclusion: Demonstrated IL-11 expression by placental macrophages suggests that non-trophoblast cells contribute to IL-11 production at the maternal-fetal interface and thus account for the reproductive effects of the cytokine.
© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.