Histochemical Demonstration of Interleukin‐2 in Decidua Cells of Patients With Preeclampsia

PROBLEM: The objective of this study was to gain insight into the immunological aspects of preeclampsia. METHOD: The presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2) protein in the decidua was examined in five preeclamptic patients and seven normal pregnant women employing the immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The decidua cells were strongly stained for IL-2 in four out of five preeclamptic patients, while only very weak, if any, staining was observed in all the uncomplicated pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: IL-2 was clearly present in decidua cells in the preeclamptic setting, suggesting the possible involvement of immune-activation in the phathophysiology of preeclampsia.