Neutrophil activation in preeclampsia and isolated intrauterine growth restriction

OBJECTIVE: Neutrophils have been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclam psia. Because preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction result from similar placental lesions, the aim of this study was to investigate neutrop hil activation in isolated intrauterine growth restriction relative to pree clampsia and uncomplicated pregnancy. Polymorphonuclear neutrophil activati on was analyzed by measuring cell surface and soluble cell adhesion molecul e expressions. STUDY DESIGN: L-Selectin (CD62L) and CD11b surface expressions on polymorph onuclear neutrophils were analyzed in 13 women with preeclampsia, 11 women with isolated intrauterine growth restriction, and 17 age-and gestation-mat ched control women by means of a standardized quantitative flow cytometry a ssay. Serum levels of soluble L-selectin were measured by enzyme-linked imm unosorbent assay. RESULTS: Neutrophils from women with isolated intrauterine growth restricti on and women with preeclampsia displayed higher levels of CD11b and lower l evels of CD62L than did neutrophils from healthy pregnant women. Soluble L- selectin serum levels were significantly increased in the preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction groups relative to normal values. No signif icant difference in the levels of CD11b, CD62L, and soluble L-selectin were observed between women with isolated intrauterine growth restriction and t hose with preeclampsia. Leukocyte activation was not correlated with diseas e severity. CONCLUSION: The observed alteration in polymorphonuclear neutrophil adhesio n molecule expressions and increased serum soluble L-selectin levels are co nsistent with activation of peripheral blood neutrophils occurring in isola ted intrauterine growth restriction in a manner similar to that seen in pre eclampsia. This evidence of neutrophil activation may help to advance our u nderstanding of the disease process in isolated intrauterine growth restric tion.