Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy influences T cell adhesion to extracellular matrix in women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortions

PROBLEM: To determine activated T cell adhesion level to extracellular matrix (ECM) in non-pregnant women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA). In addition, to evaluate a small-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy influences on T cell adhesion to ECM. METHOD OF STUDY: Phytohemaglutinin (PHA) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) activated T cell adhesion to the following extracellular matrix proteins: collagen IV, fibronectin and elastin were studied in women with the history of RSA. In addition, IVIG immunotherapy influence on T cell adhesion was studied. Normal T cells adhesion values were established in non-pregnant healthy women with the previous successful pregnancy outcome and in normal healthy pregnant women. RESULTS: PHA activated T cell adhesion to collagen IV (P = 0.04), fibronectin (P = 0.0003) nad elastin (P = 0.02) were significantly higher in women with the history of RSA when compared to non-pregnant healthy women wit the previous successful pregancy outcome. IVIG immunotherapy normalized the T cell adhesion level and favored a successful pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Increased T cell adhesion to collagen IV, fibronectin and elastin characterize women with the history of RSA. Decreased T cell adhesion to the main extracellular matrix components of human placenta may underlie possible effect of IVIG action.