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Preeclampsia Activates Circulating Immune Cells with Engagement of the NF‐ κ B Pathway
Author(s) -
Luppi Patrizia,
Tse Hubert,
Lain Kristine Y.,
Markovic Nina,
Piganelli Jon D.,
DeLoia Julie A.
Publication year - 2006
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.1600-0897.2006.00386.x
Subject(s) - preeclampsia , immune system , pathophysiology , inflammation , signal transduction , flow cytometry , immunology , intracellular , biology , endocrinology , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , pregnancy , genetics
Problem Compelling evidence implicates peripheral immune activation in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils appear to be the cells most strongly affected, with changes in expression of surface markers and release of granule enzymes. Here, we investigated activation in additional leukocyte populations among women with preeclampsia. Method We used flow cytometry to evaluate changes in leukocyte markers in preeclampsia compared with uncomplicated pregnancy. To gain insights into intracellular pathways involved in leukocyte activation, we monitored the NF‐ κ B signal transduction pathway. Plasma levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were also studied as an additional indication of cellular activation. Results Preeclampsia is associated with changes in L‐selectin (CD62L) on neutrophils ( P = 0.004), monocytes ( P = 0.013), and T cells ( P = 0.048) when compared with normal pregnancy. These changes include an increase in nuclear translocation of NF‐ κ B and increased levels of IL‐6 ( P = 0.005). Conclusions These findings are consistent with the presence of a generalized phenomenon of immune activation in preeclampsia.