CHANGES IN LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS DURING NORMAL-PREGNANCY

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy women were studied during pr egnancy and postnatally, and were compared with lymphocytes from an ag e-matched non-pregnant control group. Compared with non-pregnant women , the total white cell count was significantly increased at all pregna ncies and also post-partum. In pregnancy the absolute number and perce ntage of T lymphocytes was slightly elevated while almost no changes i n B cells were found. No significant changes were found in the percent age of suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8(+)), of helper/inducer (CD4(+)) T lym phocytes, nor of CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio at any stage of pregnancy and pue rperium. The most remarkable changes of the immune system occurred in the group of HLA-DR+ and CD56(+) activated T cells. The cell numbers s howed a significant increase in the first trimester (<14 weeks) and de creased slightly from stage to stage. Lower values in NK (natural kill er) cells and higher levels of IL-2 receptor positive T lymphocytes di d not reach significant levels of change. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ir eland Ltd.