An immunohistochemical study of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in placenta with and without infection
- Author:
Abdul Rahman Hayati
;
Abdulwakil Elraied Mohamed
;
Geok Chin Tan
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
amnion, deciduas, chorioamnionitis, placenta, toll-like receptors
- From:The Malaysian Journal of Pathology
2010;32(1):13-19
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective: The placenta constitutes a physical and immunological barrier against infectious agents.
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are essential components for the induction of innate immunity responses in
different human tissues including the placenta. We investigated the expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 in
the decidua and amniotic cells in non-infl amed placenta and placenta with infection. Materials and
Methods: There were a total 74 placentas (37 with infection and 37 without infection- 25 bacterial,
10 viral and 2 toxoplasma). TLR2 and TLR4 expressions were assessed using immunohistochemical
technique. Positive cells were indicated by cytoplasmic staining and the percentage of positive
in 100 cells was recorded and graded. The grades were 1+ (<25%), 2+ (25-75%) and 3+ (>75%).
Results: We found signifi cantly higher expression of TLR2 in the amniotic cells and decidua cells
in infected placentas as compared to non-infl amed placentas among the preterm placenta. A higher
number of cases have TLR4 expression in the amnion of preterm infected placenta than in term
placenta. This, however, is not statistically signifi cant. Conclusion: Our fi ndings suggest that TLR2
plays a role in the innate immunity in bacterial and viral infection in the placenta, however, their
role in protection against toxoplasma may be limited. This study further supports the observations
that TLR2 expression was higher in placenta with infection which strengthened the role of TLR2
in the protection of preterm placenta against infection.
- Full text:W020151209331410782066.pdf
