| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>During an ascending infection along the reproductive tract, the extra-placental membranes must act as a selective and competent barrier against pathogens. Human beta defensins (HBD)1, HBD2, and HBD3 are key elements of innate immunity that are secreted to neutralize/control the progression of infection.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Full-thickness membranes were mounted on a Transwell device, constituted by two independent chambers, 1 × 10(6) CFU/ml of <it>Escherichia coli </it>were added to either the amnion (AMN) or the choriodecidual (CHD) face or to both. Secretion profiles of HBD1, HBD2, and HBD3 to the culture medium were quantified by ELISA.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In comparison with basal conditions, the secretion profile of HBD1 remained without significant changes; HBD2 level in CHD and AMN increased 1.9- and 1.4-times, respectively, after stimulation with bacteria. HBD3 secretion level increased significantly (7.8 +/- 1.9 pg/micrograms) in the CHD but only if the stimulus was applied on the AMN side.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Selective stimulation of extra-placental membranes with <it>E. coli</it>, results in a tissue specific secretion of HBD1, HBD2, and HBD3 mainly in the CHD, which is the first infected region during an ascending infection.</p>
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