Phosphodiesterase inhibitor effect on small artery function in preeclampsia

Abstract

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.

Conclusion: 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.