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Transferrin receptor (CD71) expression on circulating mononuclear cells during pregnancy
D W Bianchi1, M C Yih, G K Zickwolf
1Division of Genetics, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Maternal transferrin receptor (CD71) expression on peripheral blood cells increases with gestational age. This finding suggests changes related to maternal hematopoiesis and fetomaternal transfusion during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Transferrin receptor (CD71) plays a crucial role in iron uptake.
- CD71 expression is a marker for cell proliferation and differentiation.
- Changes in maternal immune cells during pregnancy are common.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between gestational age and circulating CD71+ mononuclear cells in healthy pregnant women.
- To analyze transferrin receptor expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 139 pregnant women (7-26 weeks gestation).
- Cells were incubated with anti-CD71 antibody.
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze CD71 expression.
Main Results:
- Significant biological variation in CD71+ cells was observed between different women.
- An apparent biphasic increase in CD71+ cells was suggested with advancing gestation.
- A subgroup of 13 women showed linear increases in CD71+ cells over time.
Conclusions:
- Baseline levels of circulating CD71+ cells can vary significantly among pregnant women.
- Progressive increases in CD71+ cells likely reflect enhanced maternal hematopoiesis.
- Fetomaternal transfusion may also contribute to observed changes in CD71+ cells.