Neutrophils are stimulated by syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membranes to generate superoxide radicals in women with preeclampsia

Objective: This study was undertaken to determine whether syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membranes (STBMs) stimulate maternal neutrophils to produce superoxide radicals in women with preeclampsia. Study design: Serum levels of tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA), which is a marker for STBM, were measured in 25 nulliparous women (10 with mild preeclampsia, 6 with severe preeclampsia, and 9 controls). Superoxide production by maternal neutrophils from cases and controls and by donor neutrophils cocultured with the STBMs from cases and controls was measured spectrophotometrically by reduction of ferricytochrome C. Results: Maternal TPA levels were significantly greater among cases than controls (P=.005). Superoxide production by maternal neutrophils and donor neutrophils cultured with STBM from cases of preeclampsia was greater than controls (P values .006 and .019, respectively), and dose-response relationships were observed. Superoxide production by maternal leukocytes was correlated with superoxide induction by STBMs in culture (P=.007). Conclusion: STBMs in maternal blood induce neutrophils to generate superoxide radicals that may cause endothelial dysfunction in women with preeclampsia. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.