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New Research - May 2009Placental IgE is of maternal originIgE has been identified previously in macrophage-like cells contained in the villi of human placenta. This occurs irrespective of the serum IgE level or allergy status of the mother. However, the origin of this placental IgE has not been established. It is unknown as to whether it is spontaneously produced (non-allergen specific "natural IgE") or if it has allergen specificity. The authors of this investigation evaluated this phenomena with the aim to determine if the above described placental IgE originates from the mother or child, and whether or not it has allergen specificity. They eluted IgE from the placenta and measured total and allergen-specific IgE in the placental eluate. In addition, they measured maternal and cord blood IgE. They found detectable amounts of IgE in 11 of 12 full term placentas. "Natural IgE" antibodies were detected in low amounts in maternal plasma, but not in placental eluate or cord blood plasma. There was a significant correlation between the amount of total IgE from the placenta and levels of total IgE in maternal plasma. There was no correlation between maternal and cord blood IgE levels. Allergen-specific IgE was found in placental eluates from mothers with specific IgE in their plasma directed toward the same allergens. Allergen-specific IgE could not be detected in cord blood. The authors concluded that "these results suggest a maternal origin of placental IgE which was allergen specific." Reference
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