Endothelin-1,2 levels in umbilical vein serum of intra-uterine growth retarded fetuses as detected by cordocentesis.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to determine whether the circulatory levels of endothelins, potent vasoconstrictor polypeptides produced mainly by endothelial cells, are increased in growth-retarded fetuses.


METHODS
Fetal venous serum samples, withdrawn by ultrasound-guided cordocentesis from 11 growth-retarded fetuses and 10 normally-growing fetuses who underwent the procedure because of other unrelated indications, were examined for immunoreactive endothelin-1,2 by radioimmunoassay.


RESULTS
Higher mean endothelin-1,2 levels were found in the sera of growth-retarded fetuses than in controls (16.8 +/- 4.2 versus 10.9 +/- 4.3 fmol/ml, p = 0.008). Within the growth-retarded group, there were no differences in endothelin-1,2 levels in the presence of either abnormal umbilical Doppler, asymmetry of growth-retardation, maternal signs of preeclampsia, or fetal acidosis.


CONCLUSIONS
High levels of endothelin-1,2 in the fetoplacental circulation may be pathophysiologically important in fetal growth retardation. However, the clinical significance of these elevated levels is yet to be determined.
Schiff
E
E
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University Israel.
Weiner
E
E
Zalel
Y
Y
Mashiach
S
S
Sibai
B M
BM
Shalev
E
E
D017218:Cordocentesis; D016232:Endothelins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000276:immunology; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods; D014471:Umbilical Veins
D016232:Endothelins