STIMULATED POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES IN VAGINAL SECRETIONS FROM PATIENTS WITH PRETERM LABOR

The purpose of this study was to examine evidence for the presence of activated vaginal leukocytes in women with preterm labor. Vaginal poly morphonuclear leukocytes from 7 patients in preterm labor (24-32 weeks of gestation) as well as from 7 control women with uncomplicated preg nancy were analyzed morphologically using transmission electron micros copy. Peroxidase and NADPH oxidase cytochemistry was also performed. V iable leukocytes were abundant in patients in preterm labor. Phagosome s, phagocytosis of bacteria, attachment of primary granules to the pha gosomal membrane, and cell surface projections were observed in the va ginal leukocytes but not in the peripheral blood leukocytes. Peroxidas e activity was visible on the cell surface, the phagosomal membrane, a nd the primary granules. NADPH oxidase activity was demonstrated on th e cell surface of leukocytes. Morphological and cytochemical features indicated that vaginal polymorphonuclear leukocytes were stimulated in situ. Such stimulated leukocytes may play a role in the pathogenesis or pathophysiology of preterm labor.