Cytochemical studies of peripheral blood leucocytes in pregnancy

Three enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and peroxidase) and two metabolites (glycogen and lipids), were studied in the circulating leucocytes of pregnant subjects attending the Antenatal Clinic, Ile-Ife State Hospital, during their second and third trimester of pregnancy. Values obtained were compared with those of a non-pregnant control group in the same locality. Leucocyte alkaline phosphatase, glycogen and lipid levels were found to be significantly elevated, while acid phosphatase could not be demonstrated in the study group. Peroxidase levels decreased in the second trimester, only to rise again in the third trimester. Peroxidase had a highly negative correlation with birth weight (r = -0.96) and was, therefore, suggested as a possible prognostic indicator of birth weight. Glycogen and lipids correlated significantly and positively with the Apgar score, and therefore could possibly be useful in antenatal assessment of foetal health status. The necessity for further investigations and confirmation of the possible clinical uses of these parameters in pregnancy has been highlighted.