[Expression of endothelin-1 and endothelin-1 mRNA in placental villus of pregnancy induced hypertension and the changes of plasma endothelin-1].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of endothelin (ET-1) in the pathogenesis of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).


METHODS
In 70 cases of PIH the plasma concentration of ET-1 was measured by RIA, and the expressions of ET-1 and its mRNA in placental villus were determined by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization respectively. 30 normal pregnant women (NP) served as control group.


RESULTS
(1) The Plasma concentration of ET-1 was significantly higher in PIH than that in NP. There was a positive correlation between the plasma ET-1 level and mean arterial pressure in PIH. (2) The expressions of ET-1 and ET-1 mRNA were found in syncytiotrophoblast of placental villus and in the endothelium of fetal vessels. These positive signals were higher in PIH than in NP.


CONCLUSIONS
The injury of endothelium of fetal and placental blood vessels was one of the causes of PIH. The placenta may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PIH.
Third Hospital, Beijing Medical University, Beijing 100083.
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X
Tong
S
S
Li
Y
Y
Zhao
D000328:Adult; D002824:Chorionic Villi / Q000378:metabolism*; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
D019332:Endothelin-1; D012333:RNA, Messenger