Transfer of interleukin-8 through human fetal membranes in vitro

The transfer of cytokines through human fetal membranes after the development of intra-amniotic infection could be important in the immune response to such infections and in processes leading to rupture of the membranes and premature delivery. We investigated the transfer of I-125-labelled IL-8, a key component of the immune response, through human fetal membranes after section and vaginal deliveries in an in vitro culture system. Radioactivity was added to both sides of the membranes, and transfer of radioactivity calculated as percentage of that added at 4, 7 and 24 h. The integrity of the cytokine was measured after 24 h. Between 15 and 20% of the added radioactive cytokine was found intact on the opposite side of the membrane after 24 h. The percentage of transferred IL-8 after 24 h was only marginally affected by the side to which it was added and by labour. These data show for the first time that IL-8 can be transferred in both directions through human fetal membranes in vitro. (C) 1998 Chapman & Hall Ltd.