Endotoxin-induced TNF-alpha production changes inversely to its plasma level during pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To study plasma TNF-alpha levels during normal pregnancy and the ex vivo endotoxin-induced TNF-alpha production of peripheral blood cells.


METHODS
In a longitudinal prospective study the ex vivo endotoxin-induced TNF-alpha production of peripheral blood cells and the plasma level of TNF-alpha in 18 women with uncomplicated pregnancies were determined at the 8th, 17th, 27th and 36th weeks of their pregnancy and 48 h and 6 weeks post-delivery. TNF-alpha levels were determined by ELISA technique. Data were analysed by Student's unpaired t-test.


RESULTS
From the second trimester LPS-induced TNF-alpha production increased significantly (P<0.05) compared to non-pregnant values. In contrast, spontaneous TNF-alpha levels decreased with gestational age. Lowest values of plasma TNF-alpha levels and highest values of ex vivo endotoxin-induced TNF-alpha levels were detected at the 27th and 36th gestational weeks, respectively. Both parameters returned to non-pregnant levels after 6 weeks of delivery.


CONCLUSIONS
Gestational age influences TNF-alpha production during normal pregnancy. The observed elevation of inducible TNF-alpha production may contribute to the immune defence of the mother against infections.
Rigó
János
J
1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Semmelweis University, Baross utca 27, Budapest, H-1088, Hungary. rigo@noi1.sote.hu
Szelényi
Judit
J
Selmeczy
Zsolt
Z
Papp
Zoltán
Z
Vizi
E Sylvester
ES
D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000032:analysis* / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha