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Fetal B lymphocyte subpopulations in normal pregnancies
B Thilaganathan1, K H Nicolaides, C A Mansur
1Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College School of Medicine, London, UK.
Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Fetal B lymphocyte populations, including CD5+ B cells, grow exponentially during pregnancy. Mature B cells increase linearly, reflecting the developing fetal immune system.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Fetal Development
- Prenatal Diagnosis
Background:
- The fetal immune system undergoes significant development during gestation.
- Understanding B lymphocyte dynamics is crucial for assessing fetal immune competence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify fetal peripheral blood B lymphocyte subpopulations throughout gestation.
- To correlate B cell changes with fetal immune system maturation.
Main Methods:
- Cordocentesis was performed on 190 pregnancies for prenatal diagnosis or elective Cesarean section.
- Fetal peripheral blood B lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACScan).
Main Results:
- Total B lymphocytes and CD5+ B cells increased exponentially, plateauing around 36 weeks gestation.
- Mature (CD10-) and active (CD23+) B lymphocytes showed linear increases, reaching peak levels by 40 weeks.
- All B lymphocytes expressed HLA-DR antigen from 16 weeks gestation, indicating early immune activation.
Conclusions:
- Fetal B lymphocyte populations exhibit distinct developmental trajectories during gestation.
- These quantitative changes reflect the progressive maturation of the fetal humoral immune system.
- The findings provide insights into normal fetal immune development and potential markers for immune status.