[Nitric oxide: its role in the development of pregnancy complications and in their prevention in women with hypertension and chronic glomerulonephritis]

Abstract

The activity of NO-synthase and formation of NO (EDRF) were assessed by an increase in the activity of NO-dependent hyanilate cyclase in response to L-arginine in vitro in platelets of 61 pregnant females (39, 8 14 with essential hypertension, preeclampsia and healthy controls, respectively) and in 9 hypertensive nonpregnant females. Compared to healthy pregnant females, EDRF synthesis activity was inhibited in hypertensive gravidas but enhanced in preeclampsia patients. Effectiveness of exogenic donator NO (transdermal nitroglycerine, Nitroderm NNS 5) was studied in a randomised trial of 76 gravidas with essential hypertension (EH), EH and chronic glomerulonephritis (GN). 39 of them were given transdermal nitroglycerine, 37 received acetylsalicilic acid and curantil. The number of treatment failures was the same in both groups. The conclusion is made that nitro compounds are adequate for use in EH and chronic GN gravidas.