Leukocytes at the maternal-fetal interface in human pregnancy

Sindram-Trujillo, A.P. (2006)

Doctoral Thesis

The aim of this thesis was to gain a better understanding of the immunoregulatory mechanisms associated with maternal tolerance of the fetus during pregnancy. The distribution of decidual leukocytes, specifically uterine NK cells and T cells, in the decidua basalis and parietalis were studied in the setting of normal term pregnancy, following elective cesarean section or spontaneous vaginal delivery, in the setting of complicated pregnancy, and in the setting of assisted reproduction, and to study the function of term decidual leukocytes, specifically proliferation and cytokine production, in response to fetal and allogeneic blood leukocytes. Techniques involving flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and mixed lymphocyte cultures were used to perform these studies.

• Reproductive immunology
• Paradox of pregnancy
• Decidua parietalis
• Decidua basalis
• Uterine NK cells
• Maternal leukocytes

• All authors: Sindram-Trujillo, A.P.
• Supervisor: Claas, F.H.J.; Kanhai, H.H.H.
• Co-supervisor: Roelen, D.L.; Scherjon, S.A.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Departments of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion and of Obstetrics,, Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2006-01-24
• ISBN (print): 9090199756
• Court: LEI Universiteit Leiden
• Sponsorship: Stichting Fetal Maternal Research J.E.Jurriaanse Stichting Dr. Ir. van de Laar Stichting Medical Dynamics Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Novartis Pharma Innogenetics DiaMed Benelux