[The role of endothelium in normal pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia]

Abstract

Endothelial cell dysfunction is thought to play a role in preeclampsia and the reduced production by vascular endothelial cells of the antiaggregatory and vasodilatory factors is well documented. The present study was designed to evaluate endothelial cells function in preeclamptic and healthy pregnant subjects. The nitric oxide plasma concentration in women with preeclampsia was significantly lower as compared with normotensive pregnant women. A significant increase in ET concentration was found in preeclamptic women as compared with normal pregnant patients and normal non-pregnant. The plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor were significantly increased in healthy pregnancy as compared with preeclamptic patients. The results of our study demonstrate a significant endothelial cells damage in preeclamptic patients. Whether these observations contribute to the vascular pathophysiologic features of preeclampsia remains to be proved.