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Increased Numbers of Circulating Interferon‐γ‐and Interleukin‐4‐Secreting Cells During Normal Pregnancy
Author(s) -
Matthiesen Leif,
Berg Göran,
Ekerfelt Christina,
Ernerudh Jan,
Ernerudh Jan
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1998.tb00370.x
Subject(s) - pregnancy , immune system , peripheral blood mononuclear cell , medicine , endocrinology , interleukin , interferon , immunology , interleukin 10 , postpartum period , cytokine , biology , in vitro , biochemistry , genetics
PROBLEM: Systemic immune responses during normal pregnancy are suggested to deviate toward secretion of T helper (Th)2‐like cytokines. METHOD OF STUDY: Blood samples from 11 healthy Primigravidae in their first, second, and third trimesters, and 8 weeks postpartum were examined. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated and the numbers of interferon (IFN)‐γ‐ and interleukin (IL)‐4‐secreting cells were identified by using the enzyme‐linked immunospot test. RESULTS: In all three trimesters of pregnancy, and also postpartum, the numbers of IFN‐γ‐and IL‐4‐secreting cells were significantly higher compared with nonpregnant controls (Mann‐Whitney; P < 0.001). The numbers of IFN‐γ‐and IL‐4‐secreting cells gradually increased as the pregnancy progressed compared with postpartum (Kruskas‐Wallis; P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, for IFN‐γ and IL‐4, respectively). The ratios of IFN‐γ/IL‐4 during pregnancy and postpartum were unchanged, and also when compared with nonpregnant controls. CONCLUSION: The results indicate a systemic up‐regulation of both Th1‐ and Th2‐like immune responses during normal pregnancy.