Tumor necrosis factor-α response to infection with Chlamydia trachomatis in human fallopian tube organ culture, ,

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether tumor necrosis factor-α is produced in response to infection with Chlamydia trachomatis in the fallopian tube. STUDY DESIGN: Fallopian tubes were harvested at the time of abdominal hysterectomy and processed by standard tissue culture techniques. Tubal segments were inoculated with Chlamydia trachomatis serotype E/UW-5/CX. At 48 hours of incubation supernatant fluid was assayed for tumor necrosis factor-α. Tubal segments were stained for chlamydial inclusions and tumor necrosis factor-α by use of immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS: Mean tumor necrosis factor-α levels for infected segments were 92.1 ± 21.3 pg/ml (mean ± SEM) and for control segments were 61.9 ± 13.9 pg/ml (p = 0.03 by paired t test). Tumor necrosis factor-α was predominantly localized in the tubal epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor necrosis factor-α is produced in response to chlamydial infection by the human fallopian tube. It is an important proinflammatory cytokine and may promote the production of other cytokines and immune-mediated damage of the fallopian tube. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996;175:1242-5.)