Maternal plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in normotensive pregnancies and in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia.
We have measured the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in maternal plasma during normotensive pregnancy and in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia. VEGF was measured using a competitive enzyme immunoassay. Plasma VEGF was significantly elevated (P < 0.0001) in the pre-eclamptic group (median value 32.7 ng mL-1, range 10.3-64.0), compared with the normotensive group (median value 11.7 ng mL-1, range 6.3-24.3). VEGF is a potent regulator of endothelial cell function. The increased level found in women with pre-eclampsia indicates that VEGF may be involved in the maternal endothelial cell dysfunction associated with this condition. An increase in VEGF, a potent regulator of microvascular permeability, may also contribute to the extravasation of plasma proteins and the subsequent development of proteinuria, both characteristic features of pre-eclampsia.
Sharkey
A M
AM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Rosie Maternity Hospital, UK.
Cooper
J C
JC
Balmforth
J R
JR
McLaren
J
J
Clark
D E
DE
Charnock-Jones
D S
DS
Morris
N H
NH
Smith
S K
SK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight; D001794:Blood Pressure; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000097:blood*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood*; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000097:blood*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors