The effects of chorioamnionitis on liver inflammation in prenatal and postnatal sheep

Abstract

Preterm delivery is associated with chorioamnionitis-induced fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS). Currently, the mechanisms whereby chorioamnionitis induces FIRS are poorly understood. Since the liver is a main source for systemic inflammation and the major haematopoietic site during fetal life, we hypothesize that the liver is involved in the systemic inflammation associated with chorioamnionitis. The effect of chorioamnionitis was analyzed both on prenatal and postnatal ovine livers. Chorioamnionitis was induced by intra-amniotic injection of endotoxin. Liver parameters of haematopoiesis, inflammation, lipid levels and cell damage were investigated. The prenatal livers were significantly inflamed and damaged after the endotoxin injections compared to controls. The postnatal livers still showed an increase in inflammation and disturbed hepatic lipid levels in animals that received endotoxin compared to controls. These findings suggest that the prenatal hepatic effects, c