title: Cytokines in the perinatal period - Part I.
abstract: Successful pregnancy requires a state of immune homeostasis. Maternal tolerance of the genetically distinct fetoplacental unit is in part mediated by maternal and fetal pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines; these cytokines have also been implicated in different pregnancy-related pathologic states. This two-part series seeks to provide anesthesiologists with an overview on selected perinatal cytokines in an effort to identify opportunities for research and improvements in clinical care. In part one, we review basic and pregnancy-related elements of the immune system, with an emphasis on the role of cytokines. From this foundation, we offer a perspective of a unique phenomenon witnessed within obstetric anesthesia - maternal temperature elevation associated with labor epidural analgesia.
authors.affiliation: Division of Obstetric Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Electronic address: antonchau1@gmail.com.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chau
authors.affiliation: Division of Obstetric Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Markley
authors.affiliation: Division of Obstetric Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Juang
authors.affiliation: Division of Obstetric Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Tsen
mesh_terms: D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000276:immunology; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines