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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Endocrine and immune system interactions during pregnancy

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Author(s):
Brazao, Vania [1] ; Kuehn, Christian Collins [1] ; dos Santos, Carla Domingues [1] ; Bronzon da Costa, Cassia Mariana [1] ; do Prado Junior, Jose Clovis [1] ; Carraro-Abrahao, Ana Amelia [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Coll Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto FCFRP, BR-14040903 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: Immunobiology; v. 220, n. 1, p. 42-47, JAN 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 8
Abstract

Pregnancy is known to induce a transient depression of maternal cell-mediated immunity, to prevent rejection of the fetus, while at the same time it keeps adequate maternal host defense mechanisms to fight infection. Presently, the aim of this paper was to investigate a possible endocrine and immunologic alteration observed during a successful pregnancy. This study consistently showed that plasma corticosterone levels were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in pregnant Wistar rats than in virgin female. An increased number of peritoneal macrophages was also detected in pregnant females when compared to non-pregnant ones. Macrophages play an important role in the production of bioactive proteins and lipids such as nitric oxide. Then, in support of the latter, the present study showed increased levels of endogenous NO in pregnant rats when compared to non-pregnant ones, thereby mediating the vasodilatation process of normal gestation. Furthermore, our FACS analysis clearly indicated the correlation between reduced CD161 expression on NK cells (P < 0.0001) in pregnant rats when compared to virgin females. It was found that pregnancy appears to be associated with depressed cell immunity, as evidenced by a significant inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation. Understanding the immunological paradox of maternal tolerance, as well as the hormonal modulation of the immune environment during pregnancy is essential for future studies to investigate the potential for these processes to be modulated by diet or effective therapeutics during pregnancy. (C) 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/11029-4 - Effects of zinc, selenium and arginine in the pregnancy of Wistar rats infected with the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi.
Grantee:Ana Amélia Carraro Abrahão
Support type: Regular Research Grants