Further evidence against preeclampsia as an immune complex disease.

Sera from 25 preeclamptic women were examined for the presence of circulating immune complexes (CICs) by the radioisotopic C1q binding assay (C1q-BA), the polyethylene glycol precipitation-complement consumption (PEG-CC) test, and the microcomplement consumption test (MCT). Five abnormal values were found by the MCT; 4 became normal after delivery, as did the preeclamptic clinical signs. Normal values were obtained by the C1q-BA and the PEG-CC test in all preeclamptic patients. In addition, maternal HLA antibodies and complement levels were investigated. There was no correlation between lymphocytotoxic activity and CICs in sera from patients with preeclampsia. Complement levels were in the normal range in all cases. It is concluded that CICs do not play a significant role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.