Decrease of T-helper 2 and T-cytotoxic 2 cells at implantation sites occurs in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion with normal chromosomal content.

BACKGROUND: In normal pregnancy, predominant type 2 cytokines help maintain pregnancy, and a T-helper (Th)1 type response is associated with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). However, Th2 and T-cytotoxic (Tc)2 cells have not been localized at the implantation site in RSA.

METHODS: Twenty-one cases with RSA were classified into RSA with normal chromosomal content (RSA-N, n = 10) and RSA with abnormal chromosomal content (RSA-A, n = 11). As a control, we selected 15 gestational age-matched cases of induced abortion with no history of spontaneous abortion. We immunostained paraffin-embedded decidual sections for a specific Th2 and Tc2 cell marker termed 'chemo-attractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2)' and T-cell markers CD3 and CD8. The numbers and percentages of Th2 (CRTH2(+)CD8(-)CD3(+)) and Tc2 (CRTH2(+)CD8(+)) cells were compared between the decidua basalis and decidua parietalis.

RESULTS: Th2 and Tc2 cells accumulated in the decidua basalis in normal pregnancy. Accumulation of Tc2 cells and both Th2 and Tc2 cells decreased in the decidua basalis in RSA-A and RSA-N respectively. The number and percentage of Th2, and Tc2 cells in the decidua parietalis were similar in normal pregnancy, RSA-A and RSA-N.

CONCLUSION: Decreased Th2 and Tc2 cells at the implantation site may contribute to RSA-N.