CD4 to CD8 ratio and in vitro lymphoproliferative responses during experimental gingivitis in pregnancy and post-partum.

The absolute numbers and percentages of peripheral T, B, and NK cells were assessed in 7 women, both during the second trimester of pregnancy and 6 months post-partum. Furthermore, the in vitro responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) to several mitogens and a preparation of Prevotella intermedia were compared in a period of experimentally-induced gingivitis during pregnancy and post-partum. Clinically, the periodontal pocket bleeding index (PPBI) was found to be higher during pregnancy than post-partum. The absolute numbers of CD3, CD4, and CD19 positive cells appeared to be decreased during pregnancy as compared to post-partum. However, the results did not indicate any evidence for a reduced in vitro PBL response to several mitogens and a preparation of P. intermedia during pregnancy.