title: [Physiology and pathology of the immune system of reproduction].
abstract: The Authors describe in detail the complex immunological mechanisms thanks to which the maternal organism does not reject the embryo, constituting an allogenic transplant. They examine the modifications, referring to both natural and adoptive immunity, occurring in the pregnant without ignoring the important contribution the foetus itself and adnexa make to the gestation positive termination. In the second part of the paper all the pregnancy pathologies, originating from an imbalance proper to the immunity system, are considered. The following pathologies are particularly described: a) the spontaneous recurrent abortion, both primary and secondary; b) the gestosis; c) the maternal-foetal isoimmunization towards transferable antigens present on red corpuscles, white corpuscles and blood platelets. At last Authors describe all the autoimmune illnesses in pregnancy and their influence on the foetus. Such illnesses may be: a) organ-specifics (immunological thrombocytopenic purpura, thyrotoxicosis, myxedema, serious myasthenia); b) systemics (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematous). The course of each pathology, its influence on the embryo and, the present therapeutic protocols are examined.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Ginecologia, Università degli Studi di Messina.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marsico
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pizzo
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Grioli
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scriva
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000276:immunology*; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex
vernacular_title: Fisiologia e patologia immune della riproduzione.