The changes of circulating lymphocyte sub-populations in women with preterm labour: a case-controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the changes in circulating T-cell subpopulations, B cells and natural killer cells in patients with imminent preterm labour.


METHODS
Thirty-five pregnant patients with imminent preterm labour and 35 women with uncomplicated pregnancies were included in the study. The gestational ages of the patients ranged from 28 to 36 weeks in both groups. The specific lymphocyte antigens were detected using direct staining with monoclonal antibodies, and analysed by flow cytometry.


RESULTS
We observed no significant difference in the mean percentage of T cell subpopulations, natural killer cells and active T cells in the group of patients with preterm labor when compared to controls. The mean percentage of T CD3+ lymphocytes was significantly lower and that of B CD19+ cells higher in the study group when compared to controls.


CONCLUSIONS
The alterations in maternal circulating lymphocyte subpopulations could be associated with the mechanisms mediating preterm labour.
Sendag
Fatih
F
Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Izmir, Turkey.
Itil
Ismail Mete
IM
Terek
Mustafa Cosan
MC
Yilmaz
Huseyin
H
D000328:Adult; D016175:B-Lymphocyte Subsets; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets