Abstract
In the present study, the mechanism that explains failure of rejection of the fetus by the mother was immunologically analysed to be clarified and the immunocapacity of the regional lymph nodes draining the uterus (DLN) in pregnant women was attempted to be investigated.
Surface markers of mononuclear cells (MNC) of DLN in pregnant women were analyzed by FACS analyzer using monoclonal antibodies and the increased HLA-DR and CD11b positive cells were observed. Immunohistological study of DLN was also carried out and HLA-DR positive cells were predominantly found in T cell zone and the results indicated that the T cells were found to be activated due to the appearance of the HLA-DR positive cells. Furthermore, the immune responsiveness of MNC of DLN in pregnant women was tested by lymphoblastogenesis and the results were compared with normal controls. The mitogenic response of DLN-MNC was found to be higher than that of the controls. The response of DLN-MNC to cord MNC was also found to be higher than that of peripheral blood MNC. Therefore, the immunocapacity of DLN-MNC in pregnant women was thought to be increased by recognition of the fetal antigens.
Suppressor cell activity of DLN-MNC in pregnant women was shown to be not significantly elevated, while cytolytic activity was increased. Therefore, the suppressive effects of cytolytic activity is considered to be important role for the maintenance of pregnancy.
