title: In vivo effects of maternal immunosuppression during pregnancy on the immune function of newborn infants.
abstract: When used in pregnancy, immunosuppressants can cross the placental barrier and enter foetal circulation, possibly affecting the immune system of the foetus. This study evaluated the immune function in eight children born by mothers with connective tissue diseases who received immunosuppressants (cyclosporine A or dexamethasone) during pregnancy and in six babies from mothers with similar diseases, but who did not receive any treatment. Judging by the cytokine production of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma in peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by phorbol-myristate-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin, immunosuppressive drugs given for rheumatic disorders during pregnancy do not induce significant immunosuppression in babies.
authors.affiliation: Pediatrics, ICP, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Meregalli
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Biggioggero
authors.forename: Orietta
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Borghi
authors.forename: Pierluigi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Meroni
authors.forename: Rolando
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cimaz
mesh_terms: D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000276:immunology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007376:Interleukin-2; D007371:Interferon-gamma