Maternal monocytes in pregnancy and preeclampsia in humans and in rats

Pregnancy poses a unique immunological challenge to the mother. Semi-allogeneic placental tissue is in direct contact with circulating and uterine maternal immune cells. Therefore adaptations in the immune response are seen locally in the uterus and decidua, but also peripherally in the maternal blood (Veenstra Van Nieuwenhoven et al., 2003b). It has been suggested that the adaptations of the peripheral immune response are due to the circulation of maternal blood through the placenta and the secretion of placental factors into the maternal circulation (Sacks et al., 1999; Mellembakken et al., 2002).
Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Review article Source Type: research