Phosphodiesterase inhibitor effect on small artery function in preeclampsia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, sildenafil citrate improves endothelial-dependent relaxation of small arteries from women with preeclampsia.


METHODS
Myometrial and omental biopsies were taken from women participating in a randomized placebo-controlled trial using sildenafil citrate in women with preeclampsia. Vasoconstriction and endothelial-dependent relaxation of small arteries was measured utilizing wire myography.


RESULTS
Vasoconstriction and endothelial-dependent relaxation of myometrial and omental arteries were not altered in women taking sildenafil.


CONCLUSIONS
Acute effects may have been lost as sildenafil administration occurred many hours prior to myography. Plasma sildenafil levels may have been lower than required for vascular response.
Samangaya
Rebekah A
RA
Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK. rasmith@doctors.net.uk
Wareing
Mark
M
Skillern
Laurence
L
Baker
Philip N
PN
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001158:Arteries / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009215:Myometrium / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011687:Purines / Q000494:pharmacology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects
D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate