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Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was any difference in the levels of antioxidant agents in the immune system between essential hypertension in pregnancy and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). The functions of T and B lymphocytes were analysed by lymphocyte response to mitogens and the ability to secrete immunoglobulins, respectively. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) production from lymphocytes was also determined by bioassay. Five antioxidant agents–superoxide dismutase (SOD), plasma thiol (PSH), red cell lysate thiol (LSH), plasma glutathione (GSHp) and red cell membrane thiol (MSH)–were measured enzymatically and spectrophotometrically. The results showed that there was no significant difference in mitogenic activity between normal pregnancy and essential hypertension. However, phytohaemagglutinin-induced mitogenic activity was increased in patients with PIH compared to patients with essential hypertension and normal pregnancy. IL-2 production in patients with PIH was also significantly higher than in the other two groups. Although immunoglobulin G (IgG) production did not differ between patients with PIH and patients with essential hypertension, levels were significantly higher in these two groups than in normal pregnancy. IgM production was not different between the three groups. The levels of PSH in patients with PIH were significantly reduced compared to normal pregnancy. The levels of LSH in patients with essential hypertension were significantly lower than in the other two groups. No significant correlation was found between blood pressure and any of the parameters tested in the investigated groups. This study suggests that immunological factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of PIH, but it is unlikely that this is the case in essential hypertension. Different antioxidant factors are associated with both diseases.
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