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Peripheral large granular lymphocytes in normal pregnant and postpartum women: decrease in late pregnancy and dynamic
Y Iwatani1, N Amino, O Kabutomori
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Osaka University Medical School, Japan.
Journal of Reproductive Immunology
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) decrease during late pregnancy, impacting immune function. LGL levels dynamically increase postpartum, restoring normal immune status.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
- Reproductive Science
Background:
- Large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) possess cytotoxic functions similar to Natural Killer (NK) cells, K cells, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
- The morphology of LGLs suggests a direct correlation with their lytic capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic changes in the number and proportion of LGLs during pregnancy and postpartum.
- To assess the impact of pregnancy on lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood samples were collected from non-pregnant women, women in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, and postpartum.
- The number and proportion of LGLs in the peripheral lymphocyte fraction were quantified.
Main Results:
- LGL numbers and proportions were significantly decreased in the third trimester of pregnancy compared to non-pregnant controls.
- An unexpected increase in LGL proportion was observed in the first trimester.
- LGL numbers and proportions rapidly returned to non-pregnant levels postpartum, with a marked increase noted 4 months after delivery.
Conclusions:
- Lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity appears to decrease in late pregnancy.
- LGL populations undergo dynamic changes postpartum, restoring pre-pregnancy immune levels.
- Pregnancy significantly influences LGL numbers and function, with a notable recovery post-delivery.