Phenotypical characteristics of peripheral blood monocytes in normal pregnancy and gestosis.

Monocyte migration from the peripheral blood to the uterine decidual tissue is essential for the regulation of placental development. We evaluated the phenotypical changes in the peripheral blood monocytes in pregnant women. The peripheral blood counts of monocytes expressing CD11b, CD47, and integrin β7 were elevated in women with normal gestation in comparison with nonpregnant women; the intensity of CD62P, CD11b, CD11c, CD29, CD31, and CD54 expression was higher in pregnancy. The counts of monocytes expressing adhesion molecules were similar in normal pregnancy and gestosis. Gestosis was characterized by higher counts of monocytes expressing IFN-γ receptor (CD119) and more intense expression of this receptor. Changes in the monocyte phenotype can promote their adhesion to the uterine vascular endothelium and further migration of these cells to the decidual tissue.