Problem: Erythrocyte complement receptor type 1 (E-CR1) is the main immune complex clearance mechanism in humans. Decreased E-CR1 expression is noted in certain inflammatory disorders. Recent evidence implicates inflammation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. We investigated whether E-CR1 is decreased in preeclampsia.
Method of study: E-CR1 protein expression was quantified by radioimmunoassay. Plasma concentration of soluble CR1 was quantified using a specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Quantitative genotypes were evaluated by HindIII restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.
Results: E-CR1 expression was reduced in patients with preeclampsia. Lack of neoantigen expression (indicative of enzymatic cleavage of CR1) or elevated plasma-soluble CR1 was evidence against an acquired loss of E-CR1. Genotype analysis revealed a higher frequency of a CR1 allele associated with low E-CR1 expression in preeclampsia when compared with normal pregnant controls.
Conclusions: E-CR1 expression is decreased in preeclamptic patients and levels correlate with severity of disease. This condition may have a genetic basis in some patients.