Preeclampsia is associated with lower percentages of regulatory T cells in maternal blood.

OBJECTIVE Immunological mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. During pregnancy there is an increase in regulatory T (Treg) cells, which has an important role in regulating tolerance to the immunologically distinct fetus. We hypothesised that percentages of Treg cells are decreased in preeclamptic patients. METHODS Peripheral blood was obtained from 26 healthy pregnant controls and 18 preeclamptic patients. Treg cells were measured using flow-cytometry. RESULTS Women with pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia had significantly lower percentages of CD4(+)FOXP3(+) Treg cells. CONCLUSION We conclude that a deficiency of regulatory T cells may play a role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.