Vasoactivity and Autoimmunity in Pre-eclampsia (VAMPS 3)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Role of Angiotensin II Auto-antibodies in Mediating the Hypertension of Pre-eclampsia (VAMPS 3)
IRAS ID
150700
Contact name
David Williams
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2014/10/46, Data Protection registration form number
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Pre-eclampsia is a syndrome unique to human pregnancy, defined by gestational onset of high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It can cause severe harm and even death, to the mother and fetus. At present, delivery of the baby is the only cure of pre-eclampsia, but early delivery can be harmful to small, premature offspring. In order to improve treatment options for this life-threatening condition, we propose a prospective study designed to determine the cause of pre-eclampsia.
In healthy pregnancy, some cells of the maternal immune system (T-Reg cells) are activated to prevent rejection of the fetus. T-Reg cells also prevent the development of antibodies that attack our own body (autoantibodies). Women with pre-eclampsia have reduced levels of T-Reg cells and elevated levels of autoantibodies that stimulate constriction of blood vessels, which causes high blood pressure. Surprisingly, women who smoke during pregnancy have a reduced risk of pre-eclampsia, which we hypothesise is due to increased levels of T-Reg cells and reduced autoantibody levels, which leads to less constriction of blood vessels.
In order to investigate this hypothesis and determine an effective treatment, we will study three groups of pregnant women between 26 – 30 weeks gestation; healthy women, women at high risk of pre-eclampsia and women who smoke. We will also study non-pregnant women. We will measure circulating levels of T-Reg cells, autoantibody levels and vasoconstrictor levels. We will also measure blood flow in their forearms before and after infusion of low dose, locally acting, vasoconstrictor substances and the drugs that block vasoconstriction using a well-known technique called venous-occlusion plethysmography. This technique enables the study of local blood flow responses to vasoactive factors, without any effect on the whole body. If our hypothesis is correct, we will have an understanding of how pre-eclampsia develops and how a therapy might prevent it.REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/2199
Date of REC Opinion
17 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion