Abstract: To explore the changes of NK,IL-12 and CRP levels in pregnancy with preeclampsia and its clinical significance. MethodsThe NK cells, IL-12 and CRP levels were determined in peripheral blood of 42 pregnant women with preeclampsia, 20 normal late pregnant women and 20 normal inpregnant women. ResultsPercentage of NK cells and levels of IL-12 and CRP were higher in the preeclampsia group than in the late pregnant group and the inpreggnant group. There was a positive correlation between percentage of NK cells and level of IL-12 and no evident correlation between NK cell and CRP. ConclusionsNK cells participate in the onset of preeclampsia. IL-12 intensifies immunological rejection on maternalfetal interface by activating the NK cells and induces immunemediated damage of blood vessel endothelium and inflammatory reaction, which resulted in preeclampsia. CRP, which is increased in pregnancy with preeclampsia, may be a sensitive biochenmical marker for early diagnosing of preeclampsia.

Key words: Preeclampsia, Killer cell, natural, Interleukin-12, C-reactive protein