IL-10 supplementation increases Tregs and decreases hypertension in the RUPP rat model of preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE

The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of preeclampsia was used to determine the effects of added interleukin-10 (IL-10) on Tregs and hypertension in response to placental ischemia and how the decrease in these anti-inflammatory factors mediates the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.

METHODS

IL-10 (2.5 ng/kg/d) was infused via osmotic mini-pump implanted intraperitoneally on day 14 of gestation and, at the same time, the RUPP procedure was performed.

RESULTS

IL-10 reduced mean arterial pressure (p < 0.001), decreased CD4(+) T cells (p = 0.044), while increasing Tregs (p = 0.043) which led to lower IL-6 and TNF-α (p = 0.008 and p = 0.003), reduced AT1-AA production (p < 0.001), and decreased oxidative stress (p = 0.029) in RUPP rats.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that IL-10 supplementation increases Tregs and helps to balance the altered immune system seen during preeclampsia.