The effect of acetaminophen on prostacyclin production in pregnant women
Article Abstract:
Treatment with acetaminophen may reduce prostacyclin (PGI2) production in pregnant women. Acetaminophen is used to prevent preeclampsia, or pregnancy-associated hypertension, and to inhibit preterm labor. A study examined the effect of acetaminophen on PGI2 production by endothelial cells from human umbilical veins in the laboratory. Treatment with PGI2 reduced PGI2 production by the endothelial cells significantly. Twenty-four women in the third trimester of pregnancy took either 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day of acetaminophen or a placebo, an inactive substance. Approximately half of the women had hypertension. Women treated with acetaminophen produced less PGI2 than those who received a placebo. No significant difference was seen between the hypertensive women and the women with normal blood pressure.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
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Umbilical arteries of babies born to cigarette smokers generate less prostacyclin and contain less arginine and citrulline compared with those of babies born to control subjects
Article Abstract:
Cigarette smoking by pregnant women may cause the umbilical artery to constrict, reducing the amount of blood and oxygen the fetus receives. Researchers analyzed 27 umbilical cords from infants delivered at term to determine what differences there are between the infants of smoking and nonsmoking mothers. Umbilical arteries from pregnancies where the mother smoked 10 or more cigarettes a day had decreased levels of L-arginine and L-citrulline. The decreases in these enzymes suggests that lower than normal amounts of nitric oxide are produced by these umbilical arteries. Prostacyclin levels are also reduced in smoking pregnancies. Prostacyclin and nitric oxide work together to maintain appropriate blood flow in the umbilical artery.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
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L-arginine reverses the adverse pregnancy changes induced by nitric oxide synthase inhibition in the rat
Article Abstract:
L-arginine may be a potential treatment for preeclampsia. Researchers caused the same cluster of symptoms as seen in preeclampsia, that is, high blood pressure, poor fetal growth, protein in the urine, and kidney damage, in pregnant rats by inhibiting nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is produced by cells lining blood vessels and causes vessel dilation. A body of evidence suggests lack of nitric oxide is a factor in preeclampsia. All symptoms disappeared after administration of L-arginine, a substance which increases production of nitric oxide.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1996
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