The pathophysiology of gestational hypertensive disorders is incompletely defined. T lymphocytes are implicated. Both T and natural killer (NK) cells express RAS and, in implantation sites, NK cells are highly enriched. We hypothesized that T cells and/or NK cells contribute to circulatory control during pregnancy. Using radiotelemetry of arterial pressure, heart rate, and activity, mice without T and B cells (genotypes BALB/c-Rag2^−/− and NOD.scid) were examined at baseline and across pregnancy. These strains differ in NK cell competency, with Rag2^−/− being normal and NOD.scid impaired. Circulatory features differed between these inbred strains. Rag2^−/−; had blood pressure responses to pregnancy that did not differ from congenic normal mice. NOD.scid had higher midgestational blood pressure compared with normoglycemic NOD mice (3–5 mm Hg greater than NOD; P < 0.004). In comparison to controls, both T and B strains had much higher heart rates after first trimester that did not remit until parturition (>30 bpm greater than control; P < 0.0001). NOD.scid had additional anomalies, including 90% depletion of circulating NK cells and elevated (57%) proliferation of uterine NK cells within implantation sites. These data demonstrate immune control of midgestational heart rate and suggest NK cells contribute to midpregnancy regulation of mean arterial pressure.

Both T and natural killer lymphocytes may have modulating roles on heart rate and blood pressure in murine pregnancy.