Protocol for cytokine and uterine immune cell characterization in a mouse model of LPS-induced preterm birth.

ABSTRACT

Inflammation-driven preterm birth (PTB) is modeled in mice using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Here, we present a protocol for cytokine and uterine immune cell characterization in a mouse model of LPS-induced PTB. We describe steps for LPS challenge, in vivo cytokine capture assay, and isolation of uterine immune cells for flow cytometry. These techniques allow examination of systemic inflammation in vivo and immune cell characterization at the maternal-fetal interface, facilitating exploration of inflammatory dynamics in mouse models of PTB susceptibility. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Doll et al.1.