Peripartal temporal course of endothelin 1, angiotensin II, and atrial natriuretic peptide in pre-eclampsia and normotensive pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the temporal peripartal course of plasma endothelin 1 (ET-1), angiotensin II (ANG II), and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in patients with pre-eclampsia as compared to women with normotensive pregnancy.


METHODS
Levels of ET-1, ANG II, and ANP were measured by means of radio-immunoassay twice a week in 17 patients with pre-eclampsia and in 17 women with normotensive uncomplicated pregnancy during four different periods: (a) from admission to 1 week before delivery, (b) 1st week before delivery, (c) 1st week after delivery, and (d) 2nd week after delivery.


RESULTS
ET-1 levels were not statistically different between the two groups. ANG II concentrations were lower in the pre-eclampsia group than in the control group with statistical significance in period c (2.8 +/- 3.0 vs. 7.1 +/- 5.9 pg/ml, mean +/- SD). ANP levels were higher in pre-eclamptic women than in the control group, the difference being statistically significant in period a (54 +/- 46 vs. 11 +/- 16 pg/ml) and in period c (122 +/- 134 vs. 39 +/- 22 pg/ml).


CONCLUSIONS
There are considerable differences in ANP and ANG II concentrations during the peripartal period between patients with pre-eclampsia and normotensive pregnant women. Decreased ANG II and elevated ANP levels in the 1st week postpartum may reflect the clinical observation that some women deteriorate in this period.
Zunker
P
P
Department of Neurology, University Hospital Kiel, Germany.
Happe
S
S
Louwen
F
F
Evers
S
S
Ringelstein
E B
EB
D000328:Adult; D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000097:blood*; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000097:blood*; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy
D019332:Endothelin-1; D000804:Angiotensin II; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor