Endotoxin-induced TNF-alpha production changes inversely to its plasma level during pregnancy
János Rigó1, Judit Szelényi, Zsolt Selmeczy
11st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Semmelweis University, Baross utca 27, Budapest, H-1088, Hungary. rigo@noi1.sote.hu
Objective:
To study plasma TNF-alpha levels during normal pregnancy and the ex vivo endotoxin-induced TNF-alpha production of peripheral blood cells.
Study Design:
In a longitudinal prospective study the ex vivo endotoxin-induced TNF-alpha production of peripheral blood cells and the plasma level of TNF-alpha in 18 women with uncomplicated pregnancies were determined at the 8th, 17th, 27th and 36th weeks of their pregnancy and 48 h and 6 weeks post-delivery. TNF-alpha levels were determined by ELISA technique. Data were analysed by Student's unpaired t-test.
Results:
From the second trimester LPS-induced TNF-alpha production increased significantly (P<0.05) compared to non-pregnant values. In contrast, spontaneous TNF-alpha levels decreased with gestational age. Lowest values of plasma TNF-alpha levels and highest values of ex vivo endotoxin-induced TNF-alpha levels were detected at the 27th and 36th gestational weeks, respectively. Both parameters returned to non-pregnant levels after 6 weeks of delivery.
Conclusion:
Gestational age influences TNF-alpha production during normal pregnancy. The observed elevation of inducible TNF-alpha production may contribute to the immune defence of the mother against infections.
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