# IMMUNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF PREGNANCY

> **NIH NIH R37** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 1994 · $184,879

## Abstract

The objectives of this grant are to continue our studies on the control of
the expression of MHC class I antigens in the placenta of the rat and to
explore their role in the outcome of pregnancy using molecular,
cytochemical, ultrastructural and embryo transfer techniques.  The specific
aims are threefold:  First, oligonucleotide probes specific for the Pa and
Aa genes, based on unique differences between them, will be prepared, and
they will be tested using the appropriate inbred and recombinant strains of
rats.  Then the molecular analysis of Pa+ and Pa- strains will focus on the
differences by RFLP analysis in the Pa gene in both types of strains and
whether the Pa gene is transcribed in Pa- strains.  Second, the three types
of control of MHC antigen expression in the placenta will be explored.
Genomic imprinting of the Pa and Aa genes and of the genes controlling the
expression of the classical (A) and nonclassical (E) class I antigens will
be determined by studying their transcription.  Constitutive suppression of
class I antigens in the labyrinthine trophoblast and of all class II
antigens in the placenta will be studied by determining the effect of 5-
azacytidine on their expression and on their levels of methylation.  Both
in vivo experiments and a unique tissue culture system will be used.  The
effects of seminal fluid and of the timing of embryo transfer will be used
to examine the inducible suppression of the classical class I antigens in
the outcome of pregnancy will be explored using the transfer of embryos
fertilized in vivo or in vitro, different combinations of strains and
multiple embryo transfers.  The latter approach will provide a unique
animal model for exploring the potential role of immunological mechanisms
in secondary recurrent spontaneous abortions.

The questions addressed have been raised by cogent problems in basic
developmental biology and in clinical medicine.  The work forms an integral
part of our overall hypothesis about the critical role of MHC and MHC-
linked genes in reproduction, growth and development, and susceptibility to
cancer.  A substantial body of evidence from our experimental studies in
rats and from clinical studies by us and by others supports this
hypothesis.  In addition, the work will give some unique insights into the
process of in vitro fertilization and into some potential causes for its
failure.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2196690
- **Project number:** 5R37HD009880-17
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **SAM.gov UEI:** MKAGLD59JRL1
- **Principal Investigator:** THOMAS J GILL
- **Activity code:** R37 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $184,879
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1976-06-30 → 1997-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2196690

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2196690, IMMUNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF PREGNANCY (5R37HD009880-17). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2196690. Licensed CC0.

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