Endothelial vasoactive mediators in preeclampsia

Article Abstract:

Higher than normal arterial plasma endothelin levels are related to severe preeclampsia. Endothelin is a peptide that plays a role in the constriction of blood vessels. Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine and the accumulation of fluid in the body. Blood and/or urine samples were collected from 23 patients with varying degrees of preeclampsia. These samples were compared with samples taken from healthy, pregnant women who acted as a control group. In patients with preeclampsia the 24-hour urine excretion of thromboxane B2/6-keto-prostaglandin F was significantly higher than that found in the control group. Plasma endothelin levels did not vary between 22 and 40 weeks' gestation in the control group. However, venous plasma endothelin was significantly higher in the patients with preeclampsia. Arterial plasma endothelin levels were significantly higher than venous plasma endothelin levels in the six patients with severe preeclampsia. Calcitonin gene-related peptide did not appear to be associated with the development of preeclampsia.

Measurement, Thromboxanes, Calcitonin

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Influence of sex hormones on plasma endothelin levels

Article Abstract:

Male and female sex hormones may affect blood levels of endothelin. Endothelin is a substance produced by endothelial cells that constricts blood vessels. Blood levels of endothelin were measured in 84 individuals. Twenty-three were healthy men, 29 were healthy women, 20 were pregnant women, 12 were male-to-female transsexuals and 13 were female-to-male transsexuals. Blood levels of endothelin were significantly higher in men than in women, but significantly lower in pregnant women than non-pregnant women. Blood levels of endothelin dropped in the male-to-female transsexuals who were being treated with female hormones. Endothelin levels increased in female-to-male transsexuals treated with male hormones. Differences in blood levels of endothelin may explain differences in the incidence of cardiovascular disease among men and women.

Hormones, Sex, Sex hormones

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Vasoactive mediators in pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders: a longitudinal study

Article Abstract:

Blood levels of endothelin and prostacyclin appear to be normal throughout pregnancy in women with preeclampsia and hypertension during pregnancy. Both preeclampsia and hypertension during pregnancy are believed to be caused by a disorder of blood vessels. This disorder should cause an increase in endothelin levels and a decrease in prostacyclin levels. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 396 pregnant women in each trimester. Twenty had preeclampsia and 48 had hypertension during pregnancy. Only two women with preeclampsia and two with hypertension during pregnancy had elevated endothelin levels and decreased prostacyclin levels.

Hypertension in pregnancy, Gestational hypertension, Prostacyclin

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