Neurokinin B peptide serum levels are higher in normotensive pregnant women than in preeclamptic pregnant women.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine neurokinin B levels in serum from preeclamptic and normotensive and to investigate the role of neurokinin B in preeclampsia.


METHODS
Peripheral and uterine venous blood neurokinin B levels were measured in 14 normotensive and 8 preeclamptic pregnant women by radioimmunoassay.


RESULTS
Neurokinin B levels in normotensive women were 4.91 +/- 2.67 nmol/L in peripheral and 5.59 +/- 2.06 nmol/L in uterine blood. In pregnant women with preeclampsia, neurokinin B levels were 2.79 +/- 1.68 nmol/L and 3.20 +/- 1.55 nmol/L, respectively. Neurokinin B levels were significantly higher in normotensive women (P=.032 in peripheral and P=.006 in uterine blood).


CONCLUSIONS
Neurokinin B serum levels were higher in normotensive women. Higher neurokinin B concentrations in normotensive pregnant women may be due to the advanced gestational age and/or the result of a negative interaction of other vasoactive substances. The role of neurokinin B in preeclampsia remains to be determined.
Schlembach
Dietmar
D
Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany. dischlem@utmb.edu
Scalera
Fortunato
F
Fischer
Tina
T
Marx
Stephen G
SG
Beinder
Ernst
E
Garfield
Robert E
RE
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D017359:HELLP Syndrome / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D015287:Neurokinin B / Q000097:blood*; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply
D015287:Neurokinin B