Chimerism occurs in thyroid, lung, skin and lymph nodes of women with sons

Abstract Chimerism indicates the presence of cells from one individual in another. Pregnancy and blood transfusions are considered the main sources for chimerism. Chimeric cells have been attributed a pathogenic role in various autoimmune diseases. However, data on the occurrence of chimeric cells i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of reproductive immunology 2008-06, Vol.78 (1), p.68-75
Main Authors: Koopmans, Marije, Kremer Hovinga, Idske C.L, Baelde, Hans J, Harvey, Mark S, de Heer, Emile, Bruijn, Jan A, Bajema, Ingeborg M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune Diseases - genetics
Biological and medical sciences
Chimerism
Chromosomes, Human, Y - genetics
Embryology: invertebrates and vertebrates. Teratology
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
In Situ Hybridization
Lung
Lymph Nodes
Male
Maternal-Fetal Exchange - genetics
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pregnancy
Skin
Thyroid Gland
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Summary:Abstract Chimerism indicates the presence of cells from one individual in another. Pregnancy and blood transfusions are considered the main sources for chimerism. Chimeric cells have been attributed a pathogenic role in various autoimmune diseases. However, data on the occurrence of chimeric cells in normal organs are scarce. In order to gain insight into the possible pathogenic potential of chimeric cells in autoimmune disease, it is necessary to determine the prevalence of chimeric cells in organs not affected by autoimmune disease. In situ hybridization for the Y-chromosome was performed on organs obtained at autopsy of 51 women. We investigated 44 thyroid, 38 lung, 21 skin and 7 lymph node samples. All women had sons, and data from their blood transfusion histories were retrieved for at least 10 years before death. Slides were scored semi-quantitatively for chimerism as low (1–3 Y-chromosome–positive cells per slide), moderate (4–10 positive cells per slide) or high (more than 10 positive cells per slide). Y-chromosome–positive cells were found in 8 thyroid, 10 lung, 3 skin and 1 lymph node samples of 18 women. There was no association between the presence of chimeric cells and blood transfusion history. Most organs in which chimerism was present contained a small to moderate level. Thus, chimerism can occur in normal organs of women without autoimmune disease. Our results indicate that chimerism is not necessarily associated with disease.
ISSN:0165-0378
1872-7603
DOI:10.1016/j.jri.2008.01.002