Natural killer cell cytotoxicity to herpes simplex virus-1-infected cells is not altered by pregnancy

Article Abstract:

An important member of the body's defense system against viral invasion is the natural killer cell, a type of white blood cell. These cells attack their targets without prior sensitization and play a primary role in defending against agents such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The ability of natural killer cells to kill other cells appears to be reduced during pregnancy, however. This was explored by comparing the function of natural killer cells in pregnant and nonpregnant women. The cytotoxicity (cell-killing ability) of natural killer cells was evaluated in laboratory experiments that exposed them first to HSV-1, and then to target cells. The proportion of cells killed by the killer cells was then evaluated. A difference between the two groups in the responses of the natural killer cells would indicate that pregnancy had altered the cells' ability to combat infection. The results showed a somewhat reduced natural killer cell cytotoxicity in the HSV-1-exposed cells from pregnant patients, but the difference between the pregnant and nonpregnant groups was not statistically significant. Cells from both groups increased their cytotoxicity after exposure to HSV. This effect was seen when the cells had been exposed to live virus, but not to viral antigen alone. The results indicate that pregnancy does not affect the natural killer cell response to infection with HSV-1. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Pregnancy, Herpesviruses, Killer cells

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Defining forces that are associated with shoulder dystocia: the use of a mathematic dynamic computer model

Article Abstract:

Researchers used a child crash dummy, a model of the female pelvis, and a computer program used to simulate motor vehicle crashes to estimate the forces inside the pelvis during delivery. They studied external and internal loading forces, and various mechanisms a doctor would use to help deliver the baby if it was stuck. This condition is called shoulder dystocia, which can injure the baby's arm.

Models, Computer simulation, Computer-generated environments, Shoulder injuries

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Mathematic modeling of forces associated with shoulder dystocia: a comparison of endogenous and exogenous sources

Article Abstract:

Injuries to a baby during childbirth may be caused by pressure exerted by the mother rather than pressure exerted by a doctor attempting to pull the baby out. A mathematical model of childbirth showed that the pressure exerted by the mother was 5 to 10 times greater than the pressure exerted by the doctor.

Research, Childbirth, Delivery (Childbirth), Pressure, Pressure (Physics)

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