INVESTIGADORES
RODRIGUEZ Horacio Adolfo
artículos
Título:
Macrophage density in the pregnant rat uterine cervix is modulated by mast cell degranulation
Autor/es:
BOSQUIAZZO VL; DURANDO M; VARAYOUD J; RAMOS JG; RODRIGUEZ HA; MUÑOZ DE TORO M; LUQUE EH
Revista:
JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY.
Referencias:
Año: 2005 vol. 65 p. 147 - 158
ISSN:
0165-0378
Resumen:
The
uterine cervix at term undergoes histomorphological changes that resemble an
inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to better characterize these
changes, describing the temporal and spatial pattern of macrophages and mast
cells (MC) distribution in the uterine cervix and assessing whether both cells
exert a coordinated action on angiogenesis. Macrophages and MC were identified by
immunohistochemistry in cervical tissue from cycling, pregnant and postpartum
rats. In order to inhibit MC degranulation, pregnant rats were injected with
disodium cromoglycate. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor
(VEGF) by macrophages was also evaluated. Results showed that macrophage
density increased towards parturition and declined at postpartum, whereas MC
density showed an inverse pattern. Interestingly, disodium cromoglycate-treated
rats showed an increased number of macrophages. VEGF expression in macrophages
was detected neither in control nor in treated animals; however, a coordinated
action between MC and macrophages on angiogenesis could not be excluded. The
present study provides a detailed mapping of macrophage and MC densities and
distribution in the rat uterine cervix. Moreover, an association between
macrophages and MC along pregnancy is shown, and evidence that macrophage
density in the rat cervix is modulated by MC degranulation is presented.