%0 Journal Article
%T Block of Granulocyte
%A Anthony T. Vella
%A Christopher Nold
%A Julie Stone
%A Kathleen O¡¯Hara
%A Patricia Davis
%A Steven M. Yellon
%A Vanessa Blanchard
%A Vladislav Kiveliyk
%J Reproductive Sciences
%@ 1933-7205
%D 2019
%R 10.1177/1933719118804420
%X A multitude of factors promotes inflammation in the reproductive tract leading to preterm birth. Macrophages peak in the cervix prior to birth and their numbers are increased by the cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). We hypothesize GM-CSF is produced from multiple sites in the genital tract and is a key mediator in preterm birth. Ectocervical, endocervical, and amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the concentration and expression of GM-CSF was measured. Pregnant CD-1 mice on gestational day 17 received LPS and an intravenous injection of either anti-mouse GM-CSF or control antibody. After 6 hours, the preterm birth rate was recorded. Treatment with LPS increased the GM-CSF concentration and messenger RNA expression after 24 hours in all 3 cell lines (P < .01). Mice treated with LPS and the GM-CSF antibody had a preterm birth rate of 25%, compared to a 66.7% preterm birth rate in controls, within 6 hours (P < .05, ¦Ö2). Treatment with the anti-mouse GM-CSF antibody decreased the concentration of GM-CSF in the mouse serum (P < .01) but did not alter the number of macrophages or collagen content in the cervix. These studies demonstrate that GM-CSF is produced from multiple sites in the genital tract and that treatment with an antibody to GM-CSF prevents preterm birth. Curiously, the anti-mouse GM-CSF antibody did not decrease the number of macrophages in the cervix. Further research is needed to determine whether antibodies to GM-CSF can be utilized as a therapeutic agent to prevent preterm birth
%K preterm birth
%K cervical remodeling
%K inflammation
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1933719118804420