Circulating interferon-gamma- and interleukin-4-secreting cells in recurrent spontaneous abortions

Abstract

Problem: Are recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSAs) associated with deviation of circulating cytokine-secreting cells?

Method of study: Interferon (IFN)-gamma- and interleukin (IL)-4 secreting cells were identified by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) in blood from 34 women with RSA. Samples were taken before pregnancy and/or pregnancy weeks 7-10, 17-20, and after terminated pregnancy. Eleven healthy primigravidae and 10 non-pregnant women served as controls.

Results: No significant difference in numbers of IFN-gamma- and IL-4-secreting cells was noted within the RSA group when abortions and successful pregnancies were compared in samples taken before pregnancy. The number of IFN-gamma- as well as IL-4-secreting cells in pregnancy weeks 17-20 in the RSA group was significantly higher compared with before pregnancy, pregnancy weeks 7-10, and after pregnancy. In samples from non-pregnant women, the number of IFN-gamma- and IL-4-secreting cells was significantly higher in the RSA group compared with controls.

Conclusions: Our results do not indicate a systemic shift in the general balance between T helper 1- and T helper 2-type cytokine pattern. A local shift at the fetomaternal interface seems more probable.