Serum levels of macrophage colony- stimulating factor after cesarean section, vaginal delivery, or laparotomy in normal pregnant women and gynecologic patients

Background. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is located in villous cells lining the vessels in the placenta in the third trimester and has been implicated in placental growth and development. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor levels in peripheral blood increased significantly with progression of pregnancy in uncomplicated pregnancies. The serum levels of M-CSF appear to be altered after laparotomy in normal pregnant women and nonpregnant gynecologic patients. Thus, the present study examined changes in serum levels of M-CSF before and after laparotomy and compared these findings between the two groups. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor levels before and after vaginal delivery were also examined. Methods. Peripheral blood was collected before, 1 day, and 10 days after laparotomy or vaginal delivery from 38 subjects, of whom 14 were normal pregnant women who underwent cesarean section (group 1), 12 were gynecologic patients (group 2), and 12 were normal pregnant women who delivered vaginal...