DIFFERENTIAL CONCENTRATIONS OF MONOCYTE CHEMOTACTIC PROTEIN-1 AND INTERLEUKIN-8 WITHIN THE FLUID COMPARTMENTS PRESENT DURING THE FIRST-TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are im portant chemokines which effect the chemotaxis of monocytes and neutro phils, respectively. There is increasing evidence that such chemokines play an integral role in the control and maintenance of a normal preg nancy from implantation to parturition. However, little is known about the sites of secretion and function of MCP-1 and IL-8 in particular w ith respect to establishment of the placenta and membranes during firs t trimester. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the co ncentrations and localization of MCP-1 and IL-8 in amniotic fluid and extra-embryonic coelomic fluid (EECF) collected by ultrasound-guided n eedle aspiration and maternal serum during the first trimester of preg nancy. Using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, MCP-1 was pr esent at high concentrations in the EECF, significantly higher than th ose in amniotic fluid and maternal serum. IL-8 was also present predom inantly in the EECF with concentrations being significantly higher tha n the low values detected in maternal serum and the very low amounts f ound in amniotic fluid. This strict compartmentalization of these cyto kines in the fluid compartments of early pregnancy may be important fo r establishment and development of a viable pregnancy.