[Tumor necrosis factor and underlying infection].

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) is a cytokine with pleiotropic actions on several cell types. It is produced particularly by macrophages and by several cells not classically associated with the immune system. Many infections increase the production of TNF alpha; specially in the endometrium where too more TNF alpha can induce failure of implantation. A treatment using antibiotics and antiprostaglandins seem necessary to stop inflammatory process and to increase chance of pregnancy.