Increased numbers of circulating interferon-gamma- and interleukin-4-secreting cells during normal pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
Systemic immune responses during normal pregnancy are suggested to deviate toward secretion of T helper (Th)2-like cytokines.


METHODS
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)-gamma- 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-gamma- and IL-4-secreting cells were significantly higher compared with nonpregnant controls (Mann-Whitney; P < 0.001). The numbers of IFN-gamma- 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-gamma and IL-4, respectively). The ratios of IFN-gamma/IL-4 during pregnancy and postpartum were unchanged, and also when compared with nonpregnant controls.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate a systemic up-regulation of both Th1- and Th2-like immune responses during normal pregnancy.
Matthiesen
L
L
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Linköping, Sweden.
Ekerfelt
C
C
Berg
G
G
Ernerudh
J
J
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology*; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
D015847:Interleukin-4; D007371:Interferon-gamma