Lymphocyte subpopulations in normal human pregnancy
Rajvanshi, V.S.; Capoor, U.; Shanker, R.; Upreti, S.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 73: 519-526
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 7262923 Document Number: 172115
Lymphocyte subpopulation studies were carried out in 44 normal pregnant women in different trimesters of pregnancy and compared to 30 non-pregnant women matched for age and socio-economic status. The mean peripheral lymphocyte count did not register any significant change in pregnancy in any of the trimesters, as compared to non-pregnant women and also between the various trimesters. The mean total T cell count was decreased in various trimesters as compared to controls. The fall was more marked in the 1st trimester than in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. The mean active T cell levels were significantly decreased and mean B cell levels significantly increased in the 1st and 2nd trimesters, reverting to normal in the 3rd trimester. The changes were more remarkable in the 1st trimester than in the 2nd trimester. Apparently, cell mediated immunity is depressed in pregnancy, which could be responsible for masking the T-cell activity and helping in the acceptance of fetal allograft.