Our aim was to investigate the CD40-CD40 ligand system in preeclamptic women. We also studied CD62P and platelet—monocyte aggregates, which have been closely linked to the CD40—CD40L system. Platelet expression of CD40L and CD62P and expression of CD40 on monocytes and platelet—monocyte aggregates were determined by flow cytometry in whole blood from 23 preeclamptic women, 23 normotensive pregnant women, and 23 nonpregnant women. The preeclamptic women showed a significant increase in CD40L and CD62P on platelets and in CD40 on monocytes when compared with normotensive pregnant women and nonpregnant women (all P < .001). There was a significant increase in platelet—monocyte aggregates in preeclamptic women (P < .001) and normotensive pregnant women (P = .003) compared with nonpregnant women. Preeclampsia is associated with activation of the CD40—CD40L system. The activation of this system may contribute to the development or maintenance of the proinflammatory and prothrombotic milieu found in preeclampsia.
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