Significance of human neutrophil antigen-2a (NB1) expression and neutrophil number in pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Expression of human neutrophil antigen-2a (HNA-2a) is greater in women than in men. The size of the HNA-2a-positive neutrophil population increases with pregnancy.


METHODS
T he relationship between HNA-2a expression on neutrophils and monocytes, and their relative numbers, was investigated. HNA-2a expression shown as the size of the HNA-2a-positive cell population and the fluorescence intensity on the cells was analyzed using flow cytometry. This investigation was done among 165 pregnant women during pregnancy and postpartum.


RESULTS
In normal pregnancy, numbers of neutrophils and monocytes changed in relation to HNA-2a expression. HNA-2a was also expressed intensively on monocytes from some pregnant women in the first and second trimesters. HNA-2a expression and the number of cells markedly decreased postpartum. In threatened premature labor, the number of neutrophils decreased earlier than in normal pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
HNA-2a expression may increase soon after fertilization. In this study, the results indicate that the change in the number of neutrophils and monocytes is related to HNA-2a expression.
Taniguchi
Kikuyo
K
Hiroshima College of Medical Technology, Hatsukaichi, Japan. tkiku@mth.biglobe.ne.jp
Nagata
Hideaki
H
Katsuki
Takafumi
T
Nakashima
Chiyoko
C
Onodera
Rie
R
Hiraoka
Asako
A
Takata
Noboru
N
Kobayashi
Masao
M
Kambe
Masayuki
M
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D058851:GPI-Linked Proteins; D006801:Humans; D007519:Isoantigens / Q000032:analysis*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D009000:Monocytes / Q000166:cytology; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000166:cytology*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000097:blood; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000097:blood; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood*; D011264:Pregnancy Trimesters; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface
C407242:CD177 protein, human; D058851:GPI-Linked Proteins; D007519:Isoantigens; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface