RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PRE).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirteen normal and 20 PRE late-pregnancy women were enrolled in this study. The serum PDGF-BB levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of PDGF-B mRNA in the decidual blood vessel was determined using in situ hybridization.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PDGF-BB levels in PRE group was significantly higher than that in normal pregnant women (83.54 -/+34.52 vs 39.61-/+18.20, P<0.001), and the expression of PDGF-B mRNA in decidual blood vessel was also significantly higher in PRE group (P<0.001), showing a positive correlation between serum PDGF and PDGF-B mRNA expression (r=0.603, P<0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PDGF is associated with the pathology of decidual blood vessel. Elevated serum PDGF levels and PDGF-B mRNA expression in the decidual blood vessel may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PRE.</p>