O74. Granulocyte and monocyte phagocytosis index affected by plasma factors in normal and preeclamptic pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction Phagocytic function of neutrophil granulocytes and monocytes is poorly examined in healthy and preeclamptic pregnancies. Phagocytosis in an important function of innate immune system which protects the mother and the fetus with elimination of microbes and probably microparticles. Objectives We examined the phagocytic index of non-pregnant, healthy pregnant and preeclamptic women. We also described the effect of different plasma samples on phagocytic function of neutrophil granulocytes and monocytes of the three groups. Methods Five healthy pregnant, preeclamptic pregnant and non-pregnant women were enrolled into our study. Cells and plasma samples were isolated from peripherial blood samples. Cells of the three groups were incubated in autologous and different plasma samples and evaluated by their phagocytic index with an immunofluorescent microscope after internalization of zymosan molecules. Results Phagocytic index of monocytes and granulocytes was decreased in healthy pregnancy and further decreased in preeclampsia. Phagocytic index of cells from non pregnant women was inhibited by plasma from healthy pregnant women and further decreased by plasma from preeclamptic women. Phagocytosis of cells from healthy pregnant women was increased by plasma from non-pregnant women and decreased by plasma from preeclamptic women. Phagocytic index of cells from preeclamptic women was increased by plasma from healthy pregnant women and further increased by plasma from non-pregnant women. Conclusions Phagocytic function of granulocytes and monocytes decreased significantly in healthy pregnancy and further decreased in preeclampsia compared with non-pregnant controls. The reduced phagocytic index of neutrophils and monocytes in healthy pregnancy may be caused by immunosuppressive factors present in maternal plasma. This mechanism can be part of the maternal immunosuppression for the protection of the fetus. Failure of this mechanism and further inhibition of phagocytosis in preeclampsia may take part in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.