THE EFFECT OF PROGESTERONE, OESTROGENS AND HYDROCORTISONE ON THE MITOGENIC RESPONSE OF LYMPHOCYTES TO PHYTOHAEMAGGLUTININ IN PREGNANT AND NON‐PREGNANT WOMEN

Abstract

The mitogenic response to phytohemagglutinin of lymphocytes from women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy is not inhibited by progesterone, estriol or estradiol even at much greater than normal physiological levels. There was no difference in the response of lymphocytes from pregnant or nonpregnant women. Inhibition in the mitogenic response to phytohemagglutinin was achieved with hydrocortisone but not at the physiological levels found in pregnancy. This in vitro study would not support the view that the level of steroid hormones in pregnancy significantly affects the immunological status of the mothers.