Do Interleukins 4 and 13 Cross the Placenta?
Author Information
Author(s): Lim Robert H., Kobzik Lester
Primary Institution: Harvard School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Can the pro-asthmatic cytokines interleukin IL-4 and IL-13 cross the placenta?
Conclusion
The study found that neither IL-4 nor IL-13 crossed the placenta in detectable amounts.
Supporting Evidence
- The study used a novel assay to assess transplacental passage of functional cytokines.
- Injection of IL-4 and IL-13 did not result in detectable phosphorylation of STAT-6 in fetal tissue.
- The findings suggest that other molecules may mediate transplacental effects in maternal transmission of asthma risk.
Takeaway
The researchers wanted to see if certain proteins from mothers could reach their babies through the placenta, but they found that these specific proteins didn't make it across.
Methodology
The study used IL4Ra−/− transgenic mice and assessed phosphorylation of STAT-6 in fetal tissue after maternal injection of IL-4 or IL-13.
Limitations
The study's findings may not apply to natural conditions as the injected doses were much higher than normal serum levels.
Participant Demographics
Pregnant female IL4Ra−/− mice mated with wild-type males.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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