Immunologically Relevant Cells in the Uterus1

Macrophages and a special subset of lymphocyte natural killer (NK) cells populate the uteri of cycling humans, mice, and rats. After implantation, major changes take place that have important functional implications. The macrophages and NK cells increase in number, are redistributed into specific uterine compartments, and exhibit markers consistent with cell activation. Activation enhances macrophage and NK cell production of a wide range of pleiotropic, multifunctional polypeptide growth factors, reactive oxygen intermediates, and bioactive lipids. Thus, activated uterine hematopoietic cells are equipped to perform certain immunological and nonimmunological functions within their microenvironments that could have major influences on the course of pregnancy.