Production of prolactin by cultures of isolated cells from human first-trimester decidua.

Abstract

An enriched fraction of first-trimester decidual cells that synthesize and release prolactin (PRL) was obtained by discontinuous Percoll gradient (20-50%) centrifugation of collagenase type I- and deoxyribonuclease I-dispersed cells (3 mg/mL and 50 micrograms/mL, respectively). Centrifugation of the cell suspension yielded three major bands aggregating at the density interfaces. The fraction of the 30-40% Percoll interface contained enlarged decidual cells and constantly secreted significant amounts of PRL into the medium for at least 10 days. The fraction of the 40-50% Percoll interface contained fibroblastic cells and secreted a small amount of PRL into the medium. Cells in the other fractions did not attach to the plastic dishes in 48 hours. Under the influence of progesterone (100 ng/mL), the cultured decidual cells retained their capability of PRL production for at least 10 days because no decline of the secretion rate was observed. The culture system established by the present study is satisfactory for investigating decidual cell functions, including the regulatory mechanisms of PRL production.