title: Immunolocalisation and endothelin-1 values In pre-eclampsia: an immunocytochemical study.
abstract: Maternal plasma ET-1 levels and the immunolocalisation of ET1 in the fetal membranes of pre-eclamptic primigravidae at >/=28 weeks, gestation were studied. The levels of maternal plasma ET1 and immunoreactive ET-1 were increased in pre-eclampsia. Immunoreactive ET-1 was localised in the amnion, chorion and decidua of normal pregnant women as well as those with preeclampsia-eclampsia. Intense labelling was observed in moderate pre-eclampsia (BP 140/90 - 170/110 mmHg) with very intense labelling in severe pre-eclampsia (BP >170/110 mmHg), especially in the amniotic epithelium, chorionic villi, maternal blood vessels, cytotrophoblasts and giant cells of the decidua. The increased ET-1 levels demonstrated in fetal membranes of pre-eclamptic women are probably produced in a paracrine and/or autocrine manner, contributing to the hypertension, vasospasm and fetal growth restriction characteristic of the syndrome. A larger study would be required to show significant change in endothelin production in pre-eclampsia.
authors.affiliation: MRC/University of Natal Pregnancy Hypertension Research Unit, University of Durban-Westville, South Africa.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Naiker
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Naidoo
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Naicker
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gathiram
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nadar
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moodley