Reproductive Immunology Lecture 9

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What is the main challenge in conducting research in reproductive immunology?

Limited understanding of NK cell analysis

Difficulty in recruiting controls for studies

Lack of funding for large trials

Poor study design and over-interpretation of results (correct)

What is a common issue in defining the 'patient' group in NK cell analysis studies?

Lack of clear definitions of RIF and RPL

Inadequate control groups

Heterogeneity of the group (correct)

Insufficient sample size

Why is NK cell analysis in reproductive medicine considered both a 'marketing dream' and an 'academic nightmare'?

Because it is a new and untested area of research

Because it is only used in IVF treatment

Because it is a complex and poorly understood area of research

Because it has high commercial potential but lacks scientific rigor (correct)

What is a major limitation in NK cell analysis studies?

Limited understanding of the pathological mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

What should clinicians consider when interpreting NK cell analysis results?

The complexities of laboratory methods used Signup and view all the answers

Why are controls difficult to recruit and define in NK cell analysis studies?

Because they are difficult to define and recruit Signup and view all the answers

What is a major challenge in immunological testing related to natural killer cells?

A lack of consensus on referral ranges Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method used to assess uNK cells?

Immunohistochemistry Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of counting CD56+ cells in uNK cell analysis?

It does not provide information on subtype or level of activation Signup and view all the answers

Why is it challenging to develop a reliable method of counting uNK cells in endometrium?

Because endometrium is a complex glandular histological structure Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider the day of the cycle when interpreting uNK cell levels?

Because uNK cell levels vary enormously on a daily basis Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of using pNK cells as a surrogate for uNK cells?

pNK cells are mainly of different phenotype to the majority of uNK cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of Immunohistochemistry (IHC) over traditional tissue staining techniques?

It is a more sensitive and specific method for identifying immune cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation of using flow cytometry to isolate uNK cells?

Cell selection is not 100% pure due to mixing with other cell types Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of RPL endometrium?

The accumulation of uNK cells under the luminal epithelium Signup and view all the answers

Why is IHC preferred over flow cytometry for studying uNK cells?

IHC does not require enzymatic processing of endometrial tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using flow cytometry for immunophenotyping?

Many important informations about the antigenic structure and localization of immune cells are lost Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of using large endometrial specimens for flow cytometry?

It requires immediate enzymatic processing Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of uNK and pNK cells are of different phenotype?

90% Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of endometrial biopsy?

It is a painful and invasive procedure Signup and view all the answers

What may pNK cell activity represent?

A marker for immunological disorder Signup and view all the answers

What can affect the results of pNK cell analysis?

Several factors including venepuncture conditions, transport to the lab, and protocols for preparation and labelling Signup and view all the answers

What is the corrected range for pNK cells in females?

5-20% Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the methods used for the analysis of pNK cells?

Flow Cytometry Signup and view all the answers