The role of serotonin in preeclamptic hypertension. A review and case report.
Generalized arteriolar vasospasm and subsequent damage to vascular endothelium are fundamental to the development of preeclampsia. A possible mechanism underlying this involves increased deportation of trophoblast cells into maternal venous circulation with 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT) release as a consequence of platelet aggregation onto these fragments. Ketanserin, a 5-HT(2) receptor blocker, has been used successfully to treat preeclampsia. An examination of the therapeutic role of ketanserin indicates that there should now be a much more detailed assessment of serotonin antagonists in the treatment and prophylaxis of preeclampsia and eclampsia.
Hutter
C
C
Department of Anaesthetics & Obstetrics, City Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
Crighton
I M
IM
Smith
K
K
Liu
D T
DT