Abstract
T-cell number and mitogen- and antigen-induced lymphocyte proliferation were assessed longitudinally in 18 normal human pregnancies to examine the effects of pregnancy on cellular immunity. The T-cell percentage and mitogen-induced responses did not change significantly in pregnant women as compared to nonpregnant, non-postpartum control adults. However, cell-mediated immune responses to three antigens were dramatically depressed during the third trimester and then returned to early pregnancy levels by 90 days post partum. This reduction in antigen-specific cellular immunity may be necessary to prevent rejection of the histoincompatible fetus by the mother and at the same time may render women in late gestation more susceptible to infection.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 665-670 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | American journal of obstetrics and gynecology |
Volume | 140 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 15 1981 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Supported in part by the Grotto Foundation Inc., the Research and Education Fund, St. Paul Children$ Hospital, and United States Public Health Service Grants AM 18883 and HD 12342.