Lymphocyte Subclasses in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

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Abstract
Peripheral blood lymphocyte subclasses were studied by flow cytofluorimetry and monoclonal antibodies in 21 women with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), 20 healthy women in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy and in 20 nulliparous, nonpregnant women. The cells were stained with the monoclonal antibodies OKT3, OKT4 and OKT8 to define total T cells, T helper cells (Th) and T suppressor-cytotoxic cells (Ts/c), respectively. B lymphocytes were defined by their surface immunoglobulin. Absolute numbers of total T cells and Ts/c cells were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in patients with PIH compared to either control group. The proportion of B lymphocytes was significantly (P < 0.01) increased and absolute numbers were marginally increased. These findings reflect an immune disturbance which may be of prime importance in the pathogenesis of this disease.