Hypertension, inflammation and T lymphocytes are increased in a rat model of HELLP syndrome. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wallace, Kedra; Morris, Rachael; Kyle, Patrick B.; Cornelius, Denise; Darby, Marie; Scott, Jeremy; Moseley, Janae; Chatman, Krystal; LaMarca, Babbette
• Is Part Of: Hypertension in pregnancy. Volume 33:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 54
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: Hypertension in pregnancy -- Periodicals; Pregnancy -- Complications -- Periodicals; 618.3261
• DOI: 10.3109/10641955.2013.835820
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1064-1955

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: An animal model of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) was used to determine if T lymphocytes accompany hypertension and increased inflammatory cytokines. <italic>Methods</italic>: sFlt-1 (4.7 µg/kg/day) and sEndoglin (7 µg/kg/day) were infused into normal pregnant rats (HELLP rats) for 8 days. <italic>Results</italic>: HELLP was associated with increased mean arterial pressure (<italic>p = </italic>0.0001), hemolysis (<italic>p = </italic>0.044), elevated liver enzymes (<italic>p = </italic>0.027), and reduced platelets (<italic>p</italic> = 0.035). HELLP rats had increased plasma levels of TNFα (<italic>p = </italic>0.039), IL-6 (<italic>p = </italic>0.038) and IL-17 (<italic>p = </italic>0.04). CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes were increased. <italic>Conclusion</italic>: These data support the hypothesis that T cells are associated with hypertension and inflammation.</p> </abstract>