IL-10 supplementation increases Tregs and decreases hypertension in the RUPP rat model of preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE: The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of preeclampsia was used to determine the effects of added interleukin-10 (IL-10) on Tregs and hypertension in response to placental ischemia and how the decrease in these anti-inflammatory factors mediates the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. METHODS: IL-10 (2.5 ng/kg/d) was infused via osmotic mini-pump implanted intraperitoneally on day 14 of gestation and, at the same time, the RUPP procedure was performed. RESULTS: IL-10 reduced mean arterial pressure (p < 0.001), decreased CD4(+) T cells (p = 0.044), while increasing Tregs (p = 0.043) which led to lower IL-6 and TNF-alpha (p = 0.008 and p = 0.003), reduced AT1-AA production (p < 0.001), and decreased oxidative stress (p = 0.029) in RUPP rats. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that IL-10 supplementation increases Tregs and helps to balance the altered immune system seen during preeclampsia