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A new study has proved that white blood cells can help to maintain the initial stages of pregnancies. This also explains the reason for infertile and miscarriage.
The role of macrophages or WBCs inside the ovary, normally present around developing zygotes, was studied by Alison Care of University of Adelaide. A drastic depletion of the WBCs can lower the progesterone level to such an extent that it can harm the initial stages of pregnancies.
"We know that the ovary requires a vascular network in order to deliver the high levels of progesterone the body requires to maintain early pregnancy. The formation of this network occurs very quickly following ovulation, and macrophages may be involved in establishing that blood supply," Care says.
"It appears that the ovary has its own specialist pathway to achieve this, and that macrophages have an essential role in building the blood supply that we hadn't previously appreciated," a U-A release said.
"This research identifies immune system cells as critical determinants of normal ovarian activity and the maintenance of early pregnancy. This might be a key to help prevent early pregnancy loss, such as recurrent miscarriage."
Care says a number of factors - such as smoking, obesity, poor nutrition and stress - could all alter the way macrophages behave and may provide reasons for infertility or miscarriage in some women.
