Changes in immunologic parameters in normal pregnancy and spontaneous abortion

Article Abstract:

Because the possibility exists that the maternal immune response contributes to spontaneous abortion, this study of immunologic factors in pregnant women was carried out. The subjects included 40 nonpregnant women; 40 pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy; and 18 women in the process of a spontaneous abortion. Blood samples were taken from all subjects and analyzed for the content of various kinds of T lymphocyte (the cell type that mediates cellular immunity). Blood cells were tested for their response to agents that normally stimulate them to divide (mitogens). These cells were also tested for the density of surface receptors for interleukin-2 (IL-2), the number of which increases when the cells are stimulated by an immune challenge. No differences were seen in the lymphocyte number (T and B cells) between the pregnant women and those undergoing spontaneous abortion, although the total white blood cell count was increased in these two groups compared with the control subjects. The total number of T cells was reduced in the pregnant and spontaneous abortion groups. The number of helper/inducer and cytotoxic/suppressor T cells was not different from the control value, but the number of activated T cells was reduced in the two patient groups. The T cells of women in these groups showed increased mitogenic activity in response to stimulation. No increase in the numbers of IL-2 receptors was seen in pregnant women, but the number was elevated for those in the spontaneous abortion group. B lymphocytes (the main cell type of the humoral immune system) from pregnant women and those undergoing spontaneous abortion produced more immunoglobulin G and M when stimulated than B lymphocytes from controls. It is likely that pregnancy causes the changes in white blood cell count, total T cell number, number of activated T cells, and mitogenic effects, and that the increased IL-2 levels are associated with spontaneous abortion. Further investigation of the immunological aspects of miscarriage will be necessary to determine cause-effect relationships. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Miscarriage

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Ultrasonographic bone characteristics during normal pregnancy: longitudinal and cross-sectional evaluation

Article Abstract:

Pregnant women may lose a significant amount of calcium to the fetus during the third trimester. Researchers used ultrasonography to measure the amount of calcium in the heel bones of 10 pregnant women from the 14th to the 38th weeks of pregnancy. Bone density was found to remain stable during the first and second trimesters, then to drop during the third trimester. The pregnant woman's body may release calcium from its bones to send it across the placenta to the fetus, whose bone structure is growing rapidly during the last trimester.

Bones, Maternal-fetal exchange, Bone density

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Anergy during pregnancy

Article Abstract:

Pregnant women are no more likely to be anergic than non-pregnant women. Anergy means a person does not react to skin testing with various foreign proteins. It usually results from a defect in the immune system.

Research, Immunosuppression

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