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Updated: Aug 1, 2026
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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
Labor affects cytokine production in newborns
H Bessler1, A Kuperman, B Beilin
1Hematology and Immunology Research Laboratory, Rabin Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Sackler School of Medicine, Petah-Tiqva, Israel.
American Journal of Reproductive Immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989)
|February 12, 1998
Summary
Newborn immune responses are influenced by delivery method and maternal labor drugs. Cesarean delivery and epidural analgesia altered specific immune cell functions and cytokine production in infants.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Health
- Obstetrics
Background:
- The newborn immune system undergoes significant development and maturation.
- Maternal factors during labor, including delivery mode and analgesia, may impact neonatal immune status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if delivery mode or maternal medications during labor affect infant immune system development.
- To analyze specific immune cell functions and cytokine profiles in newborns based on delivery circumstances.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of three newborn groups: spontaneous vaginal delivery with IV analgesia, spontaneous vaginal delivery with epidural analgesia, and cesarean delivery under general anesthesia.
- Assessment of natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, mitogenic response, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) production of interleukins (IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).
Main Results:
- NK cell cytotoxicity increased in all groups post-delivery.
- Cesarean delivery was associated with decreased IL-2 production.
- Epidural analgesia correlated with higher spontaneous IL-1 beta secretion.
- General anesthesia and epidural analgesia were linked to elevated IL-6 secretion.
- Cesarean delivery showed increased TNF-alpha production.
Conclusions:
- The mode of delivery significantly influences neonatal immune responses.
- Maternal administration of analgesics or anesthesia during labor impacts infant immune cell activity and cytokine profiles.
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