Cytokine production by monocytes, NK cells, and lymphocytes is different in preeclamptic patients as compared with normal pregnant women.
OBJECTIVE
To measure cytokine production in ex vivo stimulated leukocyte populations of women with normal pregnancy and those with preeclampsia.


METHODS
Whole blood from preeclamptic and normal pregnant women was stimulated with LPS or PMA/Ca-ionophore. The percentages of IFN gamma and IL-2, 4, and 10 producing lymphocytes and NK cells and the percentages of TNFalpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-12 producing monocytes were measured by flowcytometry.


RESULTS
In women with preeclampsia, there was a significantly increased percentage IL-4 producing cytotoxic T cells. Also, a significant decreased percentage IL-2 producing T helper cells and IL-12 producing monocytes was seen as compared with normal pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Th1 cytokine production of lymphocytes and monocytes appears to be decreased in our group of preeclamptic patients compared with normal pregnant women.
van Nieuwenhoven
Angelique L Veenstra
AL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Moes
Henk
H
Heineman
Maas Jan
MJ
Santema
Job
J
Faas
Marijke M
MM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism; D007378:Interleukins / Q000378:metabolism*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000378:metabolism*; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D009000:Monocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism*
D007378:Interleukins; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D007371:Interferon-gamma