Systemic Th1/Th2 cytokine responses to paternal and vaccination antigens in preeclampsia: No differences compared with normal pregnancy

Yvonne Jonsson, Christina Ekerfelt, Göran Berg, Katri Nieminen, Surendra Sharma, Jan Ernerudh, Leif Matthiesen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Problem: A Th1-shift has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This study was designed to compare Th1/Th2 related cytokine secretion in blood between women with preeclampsia (n = 15) and normal pregnancies (n = 15), using a high-sensitivity technique for cytokine detection. Methods of Study: Spontaneous as well as 'fetus-specific' and recall antigen-specific (purified protein derivate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tetanus toxoid and lipopolysaccharide) secretion of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and IL-12 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot-forming cell assay (ELISPOT). Fetus-specific secretion was induced by stimulation with paternal PBMC in a mixed leukocyte culture assay. Results: All cytokines were secreted by PBMCs both from women with preeclampsia and women with normal pregnancies. No differences in the number of cytokine-secreting cells were found between the two groups. Conclusions: No evidence was found for a shift in the systemic Th1/Th2 responses, in preeclampsia compared with normal pregnancy. This does, however, not exclude differences in the local immune responses related to the fetoplacental unit.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)302-310
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican Journal of Reproductive Immunology
Volume51
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ELISPOT
  • Interferon-γ
  • Interleukin-10
  • Interleukin-12
  • Interleukin-4
  • Preeclampsia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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