Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
Complement, fetal antigen, and shaking rigors in parturients
Michael D Benson1, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Lakshman R Sehgal
1Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Evanston, Illinios, USA. benson.micheal@comcast.net
Objectives:
To assess the relationship, if any, between complement, fetal antigen, and shaking rigors during labor and delivery.
Methods:
We recruited 13 volunteers for serial blood sampling during labor and childbirth.
Results:
Complement levels had a small but significant drop (11-15%) immediately following childbirth but had no association with fetal antigen levels or shaking rigors. Fetal antigen levels failed to show any consistent relationship with shaking rigors or the labor and delivery process.
Conclusion:
Shaking rigors do not appear to be associated with changes in either complement or fetal antigen levels. Complement levels remain stable during labor but drop immediately following birth.
Related Concept Videos
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Diphtheria
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever