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Immunohistochemical distribution of toll‐like receptor 4 in preterm human fetal membrane
Author(s) -
Choi Seong Jin,
Jung SoonHee,
Eom Minseob,
Han Kyoung Hee,
Chung InBai,
Kim SooKi
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1447-0756
pISSN - 1341-8076
DOI - 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2011.01626.x
Subject(s) - chorioamnionitis , immunohistochemistry , fetus , medicine , pathology , receptor , andrology , amnion , cd64 , gestation , h&e stain , staining , gestational age , pregnancy , biology , genetics
Aim: Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4) is the major receptor used for recognition of specific gram negative bacteria by the host immune system. The role of TLR‐4 has been revealed in preterm parturition. This study aims to demonstrate the immunohistochemical expression of TLR‐4 with regard to histological layers and anatomical regions of the human fetal membranes. Material and Methods: Fetal membranes were obtained from the uterine fundus and low segment. Immunohistochemical staining for TLR‐4 and hematoxylin and eosin stain were performed. Results: The chorion expressed significantly higher levels of TLR‐4 than the amnion ( P = 0.001). There was no difference in the expression of TLR‐4 between the uterine fundus and the uterine low segment ( P = 0.942). There was no significant difference in TLR‐4 expression according to the presence of histological chorioamnionitis ( P = 0.444). TLR‐4 expression decreased significantly with the progression of gestation ( P = 0.002). Conclusions: The level of expression of TLR‐4 did not differ according to anatomic location, but did differ according to the histological layer of the human fetal membranes and gestational age. These results suggest that TLR‐4 may be involved in preterm parturition.