Surfactant Proteins SP-A and SP-D Modulate Uterine Contractile Events in ULTR Myometrial Cell Line

PLoS One. 2015 Dec 7;10(12):e0143379. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143379. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

Pulmonary surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-D are pattern recognition innate immune molecules. However, there is extrapulmonary existence, especially in the amniotic fluid and at the feto-maternal interface. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that SP-A and SP-D are involved in the initiation of labour. This is of great importance given that preterm birth is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. In this study, we investigated the effects of recombinant forms of SP-A and SP-D (rhSP-A and rhSP-D, the comprising of trimeric lectin domain) on contractile events in vitro, using a human myometrial cell line (ULTR) as an experimental model. Treatment with rhSP-A or rhSP-D increased the cell velocity, distance travelled and displacement by ULTR cells. rhSP-A and rhSP-D also affected the contractile response of ULTRs when grown on collagen matrices showing reduced surface area. We investigated this effect further by measuring contractility-associated protein (CAP) genes. Treatment with rhSP-A and rhSP-D induced expression of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and connexin 43 (CX43). In addition, rhSP-A and rhSP-D were able to induce secretion of GROα and IL-8. rhSP-D also induced the expression of IL-6 and IL-6 Ra. We provide evidence that SP-A and SP-D play a key role in modulating events prior to labour by reconditioning the human myometrium and in inducing CAP genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines thus shifting the uterus from a quiescent state to a contractile one.

MeSH terms

  • Amniotic Fluid / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Connexin 43 / genetics
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Myometrium / cytology
  • Myometrium / drug effects
  • Myometrium / metabolism
  • Parturition
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A / metabolism
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A / pharmacology*
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D / metabolism
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D / pharmacology*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Receptors, Oxytocin / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
  • Uterine Contraction / drug effects*
  • Uterine Contraction / metabolism
  • Wound Healing / drug effects

Substances

  • Connexin 43
  • Cytokines
  • GJA1 protein, human
  • OXTR protein, human
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Oxytocin
  • Recombinant Proteins

Grants and funding

The authors received no specific funding for this work.