PLASMA INTERLEUKIN-12 IS ELEVATED IN PATIENTS WITH PREECLAMPSIA

PROBLEM: Abnormal immune activation has been suggested as a contributo r to the development of preeclampsia. We hypothesized that intact inte rleukin (IL)-12 directly, or through its main mediator, interferon (IF N)-gamma, contributes to the altered immune response observed in preec lampsia. METHOD OF STUDY: Plasma samples were collected from 20 patien ts with preeclampsia and 20 normotensive patients with uncomplicated p regnancies who were matched with the preeclamptic patients by age, ges tational age, and parity. Samples were collected before the onset of l abor, induction, or medical intervention. The samples were assayed for IL-12 and IFN-gamma by specific enzyme-linked immunoassays. RESULTS: IL-12 was detected in 35% of the preeclamptic patients and in 5% of th e patients with normal pregnancies (P < 0.01). The detection rate and mean concentration of IFN-gamma were comparable in both groups. CONCLU SION: Intact plasma IL-12 is detected more frequently in preeclamptic patients, suggesting the involvement of this cytokine in the enhanced immune response observed in preeclampsia.