These results show that the maternal blood leukocytes are activated in preeclampsia and support the view that oxidative stress is a contributing factor in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.

The elevated plasma calprotectin levels demonstrated in the preeclampsia group supports the notion that leukocytes are activated in preeclampsia. The elevated calprotectin level might constitute a part of the innate defense in myelomonocytic cells against microorganisms in pregnancy. We suggest further elucidation of a role for calprotectin in the development of pregnancy disorders such as preeclampsia.

No abstract