Conclusion
Decidual macrophages display different phenotypes, namely M1-like, M2-like, MOX, and Mhem subsets. Yet, pro-inflammatory macrophages are enriched in the decidua basalis with acute atherosis. These findings provide a molecular foundation for future mechanistic inquiries about the role of pro-inflammatory macrophages in the pathogenesis of acute atherosis.
Results
Macrophages displayed diverse phenotypes in the decidua basalis with acute atherosis. M2-like macrophages were the most abundant subset in the decidua; yet, this macrophage subset did not change with the presence of acute atherosis. Decidual M1-like macrophages were increased in acute atherosis, and such macrophages displayed a pro-inflammatory phenotype, as indicated by the expression of iNOS and IL-12. Decidual M1-like pro-inflammatory macrophages were localized near both transformed and non-transformed vessels in the decidua basalis with acute atherosis. MOX and Mhem macrophages were also identified near transformed vessels in the decidua basalis with acute atherosis. Finally, monocyte-like cells were present on the vessel wall of non-transformed decidual vessels, indicating a possible intravascular source for macrophages in acute atherosis.