['To compare the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by whole blood samples stimulated with lipopolysaccharide from normotensive and preeclamptic women.', 'The synthesis of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukyn-1β, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 were assayed by immunosorbent assays in 56 and 50 preeclamptic and normotensive women, respectively.', 'Preeclamptic women showed a higher synthesis (p\u2009<\u20090.05) of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 versus normotensive group. Interleukin-10 synthesis from samples of normotensive women showed a higher production versus preeclamptic group (p\u2009<\u20090.05).'] Is an imbalance in the production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines observed in whole blood cultures of preeclamptic women in comparison with healthy pregnant women?