Abstracts » Health

The calcium-dependent nitric oxide production of human vascular endothelial cells in preeclampsia

Article Abstract:

Preeclampsia may not inhibit the ability of human umbilical vein cells to produce calcium-dependent nitric oxide. Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy involving high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Nitric oxide is produced by cells lining blood vessels and causes blood vessels to dilate. Researchers analyzed human umbilical vein samples from 11 preeclamptic and 10 normal pregnancies. Umbilical veins from preeclamptic pregnancies produced less nitric oxide overall, perhaps because fewer cells from these veins were obtained. Calcium-dependent nitric oxide production by preeclamptic umbilical veins was not considered deficient. Labetalol, a drug used to treat preeclampsia, did not impair nitric oxide production.

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Long-term nitric oxide blockade in the pregnant rat: effects on blood pressure and plasma levels of endothelin-1

Article Abstract:

Injections of L-nitro-arginine methyl ester into pregnant rats duplicates some of the hormonal, blood pressure, and fetal growth changes seen in pregnant women with preeclampsia. Endothelin-1 levels and blood pressures were measured in 7 untreated virgin rats (virgin control group), 11 untreated pregnant rats (treated controls), 10 treated virgin rats, and 11 treated pregnant rats. Litter size and pup weight were compared between the two pregnant groups. Treated groups had higher sustained blood pressures and endothelin-1 levels than control groups. Treated pregnant rats had smaller and fewer pups.

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Plasma concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine, a natural inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia

Article Abstract:

Changes in asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and nitric oxide levels in the blood appear to relate to blood pressure changes in normal pregnancy and pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a toxic, hypertensive complication of pregnancy. Researchers compared blood samples from 20 nonpregnant women and 145 pregnant women. The normal blood pressure drop which accompanies early pregnancy is associated with a fall in the level of ADMA, a nitric oxide inhibitor. Preeclampsia is associated with a significant increase in the blood level of ADMA.

Blood pressure regulation, Hypertension in pregnancy, Gestational hypertension

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