Occurrence and characterization of different types of cytotoxic antibodies in pregnant women in relation to parity and gestational age.
Lymphocytotoxic antibodies in sera from 55 pregnant women (of whom 23 were in their first, 21 were in their second, and 11 were in their third pregnancy), as detected by four different microcytotoxicity tests, were predominantly cold reactive and of the IgM class. During pregnancy, there is an increase in lymphocytotoxic antibody formation which is most pronounced after delivery. It is impressive that during first and second pregnancies antibody frequency is similar in the first and second trimesters, whereas in a third pregnancy there is a decrease intermittently. The behavior of antibody frequency in the second trimester may suggest a possible absorption by fetal and/or placental structures. The antibodies seem to be part of a natural immunization process and may play a protective role in pregnancy.
D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D003601:Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010298:Parity; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D012737:Sex Factors
D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum