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Changes of NK Cells in Preeclampsia
Author(s) -
Fukui Atsushi,
Yokota Megumi,
Funamizu Ayano,
Nakamua Rika,
Fukuhara Rie,
Yamada Kenichi,
Kimura Hidetaka,
Fukuyama Asami,
Kamoi Mai,
Tanaka Kanji,
Mizunuma Hideki
Publication year - 2012
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.1600-0897.2012.01120.x
Subject(s) - preeclampsia , immunology , natural killer cell , interleukin 21 , cytotoxicity , cytokine , pregnancy , lymphokine activated killer cell , biology , medicine , t cell , immune system , in vitro , biochemistry , genetics
The regulation of uterine and circulating peripheral blood natural killer ( NK ) cells has been associated with reproductive immunology such as recurrent pregnancy losses, implantation failures, or preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by increased blood pressure accompanied by proteinuria and is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality. Natural cytotoxicity receptors ( NCR s) are unique markers, which regulate NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production. The relation of NCR s to reproduction is not fully characterized yet. The different profile of NCR s expression may suggest presence of abnormal regulation of NK cell in women with reproductive failures. Pregnant women with preeclampsia carry immunological abnormalities of NCR s on peripheral blood NK cells during pregnancy. The lower expression of NK p46 + NK cells in women with preeclampsia may account for the higher production of NK 1 cytokine that is known as NK 1 shift in pregnant women with preeclampsia. Evaluation of NK p46 on peripheral blood NK cells may be applicable to find the onset of preeclampsia. In this review, various expressions of NK cell surface markers including NCR s on NK cells, NK cell cytotoxicity, and production of cytokines and angiogenic factors by NK cells were reviewed in relation to preeclampsia.