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Immunohistologic Study of the Leukocytic Infiltrate in Maternal Uterine Tissues in Normal and Preeclamptic Pregnancies at Term
Author(s) -
KHONG T.Y.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology and microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 8755-8920
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1987.tb00141.x
Subject(s) - term (time) , obstetrics , pregnancy , medicine , andrology , preeclampsia , gynecology , biology , physics , quantum mechanics , genetics
The leukocytic infiltrate in maternal uterine tissues at term in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies was studied immunohistologically using a number of monoclonal antibodies. No differences in the quantity and type of infiltrate are apparent between normal and preeclamptic pregnancy tissues. A large population of macrophages has been identified. Suppressor/cytotoxic T lymphocytes expressing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II products but lacking interleukin‐2 receptor expression constitute the other component of the bone marrow‐derived cell population. The suppressor/cytotoxic cells are seen around both arteries with and without physiologic changes and are seen also in acute atherosis. While it is suggested that the maternal macrophages serve to down‐regulate maternal immune response, further functional studies of these leukocytes are required to define their role in normal pregnancy.