# IMMUNE PROCESSES IN THE PREGNANT AND NONPREGNANT UTERUS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 1993 · $158,047

## Abstract

The research proposed centers around the long-term objective of
understanding uterine mononuclear leukocyte function, in both the
non-pregnant and pregnant states. The experiments are based on several
propositions: 1) that the uterus, a mucosal organ, must maintain a cellular
armamentarium for defense; 2) that the unique function of the uterus
demands changes during early pregnancy to prevent dangerous cells from
accessing the conceptus; 3) that certain local mononuclear cells may have
paracrine effects beneficial to pregnancy;and 4) that pregnancy failure can
result from altered distribution or function of mononuclear cell
populations. To address these postulates, the precise identification of
specific uterine mononuclear cells is essential, but a vital issue is where
the different cells are in the tissue, especially related to the implanting
conceptus. Although much information has been gained on lymphoid cells in
human pregnancy tissues, the crucial peri-implantation period can only be
studied in animal models. Thus, in situ immunohistochemistry with highly
specific, mostly monoclonal antibodies and cell tracing techniques will be
used in rats and mice as models of interstitial implantation. The specific
aims are: 1) to identify the presence, locations, and activation states of
mononuclear cells, e.g., T cell subsets (including T alpha/beta vs. T
gamma/delta), macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells, in the
nonpregnant uterus and determine changes occurring with implantation;
lineage designations will be sought for pregnancy-associated cells --
suppressor cells and granulated metrial gland cells; the importance of NK
lineage cells will be ascertained in animals depleted of NK cells. 2) to
trace lymphoid cells into the uterus using fluorescent labels, identify the
sites of entry by both in vitro adhesion assays and in situ staining for
endothelial migration-associated ligands, and determine differences in
decidualized tissue that could explain exclusion of some cells and
recruitment of others; the features important in modulating cell influx
will be analyzed using pseudopregnant animals with intrauterine treatments
and uteri containing mini-osmotic pumps to dissect specific components of
decidualization, especially prostaglandins. 3) to determine the types,
numbers, and distribution of mononuclear cells in uteri of mice
experiencing apparent immune-associated abortion; these will be compared
with sites from the t(w73) mutant with similarly timed, but physiologically
mediated pregnancy loss. Endometrial leukocytes undoubtedly have a major
role in protection of this mucosal surface, but there is increasing
evidence that they can have a negative impact on pregnancy, causing
infertility or pregnancy loss. Conversely, recent experiments suggest that
some leukocytes have positive influences on implantation and placental
growth. The proposed research will provide essential information towards
understanding how these paradoxical effects can occur, h...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2197724
- **Project number:** 5R01HD018717-07
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **SAM.gov UEI:** YZJ6DKPM4W63
- **Principal Investigator:** JUDITH R HEAD
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $158,047
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-01-01 → 1995-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2197724

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2197724, IMMUNE PROCESSES IN THE PREGNANT AND NONPREGNANT UTERUS (5R01HD018717-07). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2197724. Licensed CC0.

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