Ethanol-induced expression of cytokines in a first-trimester trophoblast cell line

OBJECTIVES: Altered cytokine expression at the fetoplacental interlace may be a potential mechanism for the development of fetal immune dysfunction in children with fetal alcohol syndrome. This study was conducted to determine whether first-trimester trophoblasts respond to ethanol exposure by the induction of specific cytokines. STUDY DESIGN: HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells were cultured in vitro in the presence of either ethanol (0.5% [vol/vol]), lipopolysaccharide (1 mu g/mL), or ethanol and lipopolysaccharide. Expression of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted, and interleukin-6 was examined by Northern analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Culture in the presence of ethanol, lipopolysaccharide, or lipopolysaccharide and ethanol resulted in the increased transcription and secretion of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted, and interleukin-6 at significantly greater levels (P<.01) than control cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Human first-trimester trophoblasts express high levels of cytokines when cultured in the presence of ethanol. Trophoblasts may therefore be an important exogenous source of cytokines for the fetus, and altered cytokine levels during early gestation may have an adverse effect on the development of the fetal immune system.