Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 In Woman With Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

The etiology of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is still unknown. In the last few years, more and more evidences suggest that PIH be associated with abnormal expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1). In this study, the expression of VCAM-1 by peripheral leukocytes and placental tissues in women with PIH was measured to elucidate the effect of VCAM-1 on the pathogenesis of the disease.Methods: In 45 PIH and 20 normal pregnancies, the VCAM-1 expression by peripheral monocytes and lymphocytes was examined by flow cytometry before delivery, and in 20 among the 45 PIH pregnancies, the VCAM-1 expression was also examined by the same method after delivery. In 5 PIH and 5 normal pregnancies , the VCAM-1 expression by placental tissue was examined by flow cytometry.Results: 1.The VCAM-1 expression by peripheral leukocytes: (1)The VCAM-1 expression by peripheral monocytes and lymphocytes before delivery was significantly different between PIH group and normal group (P<0.001, 0.01); (2)In PIH group, the VCAM-1 expression by peripheral monocytes before delivery was significantly different between severe PIH and moderate or mild PIH(P<0.05); The VCAM-1 expression by peripheral lymphocytes before delivery was significantly different between moderate or severe PIH and mild PIH(P<0.01); (3) The VCAM-1 expression by peripheral monocytes and lymphocytes in PIH group was significantly different between antepartum and postpartum. 2. The VCAM-1 expression by placental tissues: The VCAM-1 expression by placental tissues was significantly different between PIH group and normal group(P<0.01).Conclusions: 1. The VCAM-1 expression by peripheral monocytes and lymphocytes before delivery was significantly elevated in PIH, which resolved after delivery. It may be involved in the pathogenesis of PIH.2. In PIH group, the VCAM-1 expression by peripheral monocytes before deliverywas significantly higher in severe PIH than that in moderate or mild PIH; The VCAM-1expression by peripheral lymphocytes before delivery was significantly higher inmoderate or severe PIH than that in mild PIH. In conclusion, the VCAM-1 expression isassociated with severity of the disease.3. The low expression of VCAM-1 by placental tissues in PIH supports the role of VCAM-1 in shallow implantation.The above cases suggest that VCAM-1 be involved in the pathogenesis of PIH by two kinds of different pathways.