title: A hypothesis of the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
abstract: The Atrial Natriuretic Factor discovered by De Bold in 1981, is currently being investigated by biochemists, physiologists and cardiologists. The physiological effects of this hormone closely resemble the normal changes occurring in pregnancy. Based on the experimental data published, the rise in the concentration of Atrial Natriuretic Factor in normal pregnancies may explain the physiological changes of pregnancy. It is postulated that the failure to induce a rise in the plasma concentration of Atrial Natriuretic Factor with its protective effects against the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system will cause preeclampsia. A prospective study to compare serial Atrial Natriuretic Factor plasma concentrations with the pregnancy outcome from the point of view of preeclampsia is proposed to test this hypothesis.
authors.affiliation: J. G. Strijdom Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Auckland Park, South Africa.
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Fröhlich
mesh_terms: D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000502:physiology*; D001810:Blood Volume; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply
chemical_list: D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor