engleski

Immunological reactivity of multiple sclerosis patients during pregnancy and postpartum period

Immune response in ten MS patients was studied during pregnancy and puerperal period. Lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood were identified by the rosette forming method. Concentration of immunoglobulins in sera was measured by the radioimmunodiffusion test, and functional reactivity of lymphocytes to polyclonal mitogens by the Hartzman's method. Total and active T lymphocytes showed significantly lower levels during the second and the third trimester of pregnancy. Active T lymphocytes were the lowest in postpartum period. There were no significant changes in percentage of B lymphocytes in pregnant MS patients versus controls. Percentage of total and active T lymphocytes decreased intensively in pregnant MS patients during the relapse. Concentration of immunoglobulins was significantly lower in pregnant MS patients versus healthy non-pregnant woman. Concentration of IgG decreased significantly during the third trimester of pregnancy in pregnant MS patients ; it was extremely low. Proliferative response to mitogens decreased significantly in pregnant patients during the post-partum period in regard to the period of pregnancy. Proliferative response to PHA and ConA measured in pregnant MS patients during the relapse was significantly decreased. It is apparent that gestation is associated with the depression of selective rather than general aspects of cell mediated immunity. Humoral immunity continues to function normally during pregnancy, although opinions about the concentations of immunoglobulins in the blood of pregnant woman are still controversial.

Pregnacy; Puerperium; Multiple Sclerosis; Immunology

nije evidentirano