No abstract

NOD receptors (NLRs) mediate adaptive immune responses and immune tolerance. Nevertheless, it is not clear if gestation modulates the NLR signaling pathway in lymph nodes of ewes. In this study, lymph nodes of ewes were collected at day 16 of the estrous cycle, and at days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation (n = 6 for each group). RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to analyze the expression of the NLR family, including NOD1, NOD2, CIITA, NAIP, NLRP1, NLRP3 and NLRP7. The data showed that early gestation enhanced expression of NOD1, CIITA, NLRP1, NLRP3 and NLRP7 mRNA, as well as proteins at day 16 of gestation, and the expression levels of NOD2, CIITA, NLRP1 and NLRP7 were higher at days 13 and 25 of gestation than day 16 of the estrous cycle. However, NOD1 expression was lower on days 13 and 25 of gestation compared to day 16 of the estrous cycle, and early gestation suppressed NAIP expression. In summary, early pregnancy modulated expression of the NLR family in ovine lymph nodes, which participates in immune regulation, and this modulation may be necessary for pregnancy establishment in ewes.

No abstract

The liver plays pivotal roles in immunologic responses, and correct hepatic adaptations in maternal immunology are required during pregnancy. In this review, we focus on anatomical and immunological maternal hepatic adaptations during pregnancy, including our recent reports in this area. Moreover, we summarize maternal pregnancy-associated liver diseases, including hyperemesis gravidarum; intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy; preeclampsia, specifically hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome; and acute fatty liver of pregnancy. In addition, the latest information about the factors that regulate hepatic immunology during pregnancy are reviewed for the first time, including human chorionic gonadotropin, estrogen, progesterone, growth hormone, insulin like growth factor 1, oxytocin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, adrenal hormone, prolactin, melatonin and prostaglandins. In summary, the latest progress on maternal hepatic anatomy and immunological adaptations, maternal pregnancy-associated diseases and the factors that regulate hepatic immunology during pregnancy are discussed, which may be used to prevent embryo loss and abortion, as well as pregnancy-associated liver diseases.