Subject(s)
Endothelins/biosynthesis , Endothelins/chemical synthesis , Endothelins/chemistry , Heart Failure/physiopathology , Receptors, Endothelin/antagonists & inhibitors , Tunica Intima , Vasoconstriction , Vasomotor System/chemistry , Vasomotor System/physiology , Vasomotor System/physiopathologyABSTRACT
Endothelin is the most potent naturally occurring vasoconstrictor yet discovered. This study was done on 80 pregnant women divided into 3 groups: Control group containing 20 women with normal pregnancies, the 2nd and 3rd groups, each group composed of 30 non-laboring patients with preeclampsia at 27 and 37 weeks of gestation, respectively. The endothelin-1 concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay in blood from women with normal pregnancy and preeclampsia at 27 weeks and 37 weeks of gestation. Endothelin-1 level was elevated in preeclamptic women at 27 weeks and 37 weeks when compared with normal pregnant women [P <0.01]. There was a significant correlation between endothelin, urea, creatinine, and uric acid [P <0.01] in preeclamptic women in both groups of 27 and 37 weeks of gestation