Amplifying effect of endothelin-1 on serotonin-induced vasoconstriction of human umbilical artery
Article Abstract:
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) appears to sensitize umbilical arteries to serotonin, a naturally-occurring chemical that causes these arteries to constrict. Endothelin-1 is also a vasoconstrictor produced by the cells lining blood vessels. Researchers studied the contraction of strips of umbilical arteries from term births in response to serotonin and ET-1. Preincubation with ET-1 at concentrations too low to cause constriction reduced the concentration of serotonin required to cause constriction. It appears that ET-1 levels close to threshold increase the permeability of the artery to calcium ions. High blood levels of ET-1 and serotonin are found in pregnant women with preeclampsia, a condition caused by a generalized constriction of blood vessels.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
The nutritional status and treatment of patients with hyperemesis gravidarum
Article Abstract:
Pregnant women experiencing severe nausea and vomiting may not receive enough nutrients, and may be treated with a combination of intravenous fluids and vitamins. Researchers studied 20 pregnant women with severe vomiting and found that their intake of most nutrients was 50% below the recommended dietary allowances. In particular, levels of thiamine, vitamin B12, retinol-binding protein, potassium, and chloride were low. Patients stopped vomiting after 24 hours of treatment with intravenous fluids and intravenous multivitamin supplements. Blood levels of nutrients increased as well. Dehydration may have masked the low levels of nutrients, as the volume of body fluids was also low. All patients gave birth to healthy infants.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Hyperemesis gravidarum: is serotonin implicated?
Article Abstract:
Serotonin may not be responsible for causing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Researchers analyzed the urine of 23 pregnant women with and without nausea and vomiting and of 10 nonpregnant women for levels of serotonin excretion. Urinary excretion of serotonin did not differ significantly among any of the women. Serotonin has been linked with nausea and vomiting caused by cisplatin chemotherapy for cancer. Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy may be difficult to treat with antinausea drugs.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Endothelin and neuropeptide Y are vasoconstrictors in human uterine blood vessels. Inducible platelet adherence to human umbilical vein endothelium by anticardiolipin antibody-positive sera
- Abstracts: Comparison of endometrial growth produced by unopposed conjugated estrogens or by micronized estradiol in postmenopausal women
- Abstracts: The effect of resin desensitizing agents on crown retention. Restorative considerations with vital tooth bleaching
- Abstracts: Natural born leader? Speared by a single spine: Unison and the NHS Confederation agree that a single spine for NHS staff is a good idea but the RCN believes it will harm nursing
- Abstracts: Influence of sulphasalazine, methotrexate, and the combination of both on plasma homocysteine concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis