Evaluation of nonspecific immunity and plasma levels of interferon-gamma, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in preeclampsia

In this study we evaluated the maternal cell-mediated immune aspects of pre eclampsia in terms of phagocytosis and killing of monocytes and polymorphon uclear cells. to evaluate the contribution of cytokines (Cks) in the pathop hysiology of preeclampsia, we investigated the plasma levels of interferon- gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TN F-alpha), respectively, by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data showe d that phagocytic and killing activities of monocytes were depressed in pre eclamptic and normal pregnancies. At the same time, IFN-gamma plasma levels were undectable in both groups. conversely, we detected significant levels of TNF-alpha in plasma from preeclamptic and normal pregnancies. Moreover, since in three preeclamptic patients the onset of severe preeclampsia was associated with a sharp increased of TNF-alpha plasma levels, we suggest th at an increased production of this CK may be implicated in the pathophysiol ogy of preeclampsia.