Changes in immune cell distribution and their cytokine/chemokine production during regression of the rhesus macaque corpus luteum

Our previous flow cytometry results demonstrated a significant increase in neutrophils, macrophages/monocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells in dispersed rhesus monkey corpora lutea (CL) after progesterone (P4) levels had fallen below 0.3 ng/ml for ≥3 days during the natural menstrual cycle. In this study, immunohistochemistry revealed the CD11b⁺ cells (neutrophils, macrophages/monocytes) present in the CL after luteal P4 synthesis ceased were distributed throughout the tissue. CD16⁺ cells (presumptive NK cells) were observed mainly near the vasculature in functional CL, until their numbers increased and they became widely distributed in regressing CL. To determine if the immune cells that enter luteal tissue during structural regression are functionally different from those that are present during peak function, CD11b⁺ or CD16⁺ populations were enriched from mid-late stage (functional) and regressing (days 1.8 ± 0.3 postmenses) CL using antibody-conjugated magnetic microbeads. Flow cytometry analyses revealed the majority of CD11b⁺ cells expressed CD14, a protein mainly produced by macrophages/monocytes. The antibody-enriched and depleted fractions were cultured for 24 h, and the media then analyzed for the production of 29 cytokines/chemokines. From the mid-late CL, the CD11b⁺-enriched fraction produced three cytokines/chemokines, whereas CD16⁺-enriched cells only produced the chemokine CCL2. However, CD11b ⁺-enriched cells isolated from regressed CL produced eight cytokines/chemokines. The CD16⁺-enriched cells isolated from regressing CL produced significant levels of only three cytokines. Thus, the CD11b⁺ cells that appear in the rhesus macaque CL after functional regression produce several cytokines/chemokines that likely play a role in orchestrating structural regression.