CELL TRANSFER DURING PREGNANCY
Many people possess cells that come from people who are genetically different from them (Lee, 2008, p. 72). These cells are mainly transferred from the mother’s body to the fetus. Pregnant women also receive cells from their fetus and harbor them for many years. This was proven by a research that found presence of male cells in bodies of women who had given birth to boys. This cell can stay in the recipient’s body for a long time and sometimes they intermingle with stem cells to form body tissues through a process referred to as microchimerism. In the article the author tries to show that microchimerism actually takes place and show the cases where it has been discovered. However, it is evident that microchimerism can result to immune disorders, but on the other hand it helps the body in the healing process. Microchimerism is common in people with disorders than it is with healthy people. This brings a suggestion that the transferred could trigger illness or combat diseases (Lee, 2008, p.72).
The transfer of cells takes place through the placenta and the tissues connecting mother to the child. It allows the blood of the mother to come into contact with that of the fetus. The border is termed to be selective as it allows some cells and materials to pass while preventing others. In the process oxygen and materials required for growth and development of the fetus are received while the toxic waste materials are passed from the baby to the mother’s blood. It is during this process that migrant cells enter, circulate in the blood and reside in the tissues of the new host. This eventually causes the intermingling of cells from a particular person inside the body of a different person hence, the term microchimerism.
The immune system composes of immune cells that provide defense to the body. Their first role is to detect an intruder in the body system. They then flow freely and quickly to reach out those sites invaded by foreign substances. They trigger inflammation; attract macrophages that are eater cells, coat foreign substances and eventually kill intruders. The cells release antibodies, which neutralize toxins produced by foreign organisms. The way our bodies recognize and later defends itself against viruses, bacteria and other foreign substances, is referred to as immune response. This response involves several types of immunity. One of the immunity is called innate immunity, which is a defense system originating from birth. It acts as a barrier to foreign substances by deterring them from entering the body. Acquired immunity is another form, which develops after being exposed to various antigens. It forms a strong defense against that particular antigen. Another form of immunity is passive, which is due to antibodies produced inside the body different from one’s own. Infants acquire antibodies from their mothers transferred through placenta, which act as a form of passive immunity (Lee, 2008, p. 74).
Lack of normal immune response may be harmful. Sometimes the immune system may unleash fire to its own body tissues causing auto-immune disorder. In some cases neonatal lupus syndrome is evident when antibodies from mother blood enter the fetus and reside placing the newborn at a high risks. Abnormal immune response is sometimes caused by over-activity in the immune system. Some cells such as cancer cells may take advantage of the situation and induce energy therefore making them able to cause disorder. These disorders can go farther to cause failure in reproduction and even miscarriages (Lee, 2008, p. 79).
This article is useful and the information found here is relevant in the sense that it gives a clear overview of microchimerism. Other sources are no different as they give similar explanation of the phenomenon. Some articles have it that lack of normal immune response may be caused by transfer of cells from mother to the fetus and vice versa. This is similar to the explanation given by this article.
REFERENCES
Lee, N. J. (2008). Your cells are my cells. Scientific American, 298, (2), 72-79.
