Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2002 Jul;45(7):1113-1118.

The Changes of Serum Nitric Oxide and Platelet Activating Factor Concentrations in Preeclampsia

• Lee BJ
• Hwang TW
• Baek DH
• Cha MS
• Je GH

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to determine whether any association exists between preeclampsia and the maternal serum level of nitric oxide (NO) and platelet activating factor (PAF).
METHODS
NO concentrations were measured using Stuehr's method and PAF concentrations were measured with [3H]PAF scintillation proximity assay (SPA) system (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). Data were analyzed with SAS windows version 6.12, with significance established at p<0.05.
RESULTS
The mean (+/-SD) maternal serum concentrations of NO were significantly higher in the group with severe preeclampsia (5.535+/-0.343 ug/ml) and mild preeclampsia (5.891+/-0.481 ug/ml) than in the normotensive pregnancy group (2.036+/-0.744 ug/ml) (p<0.05). The mean (+/-SD) maternal serum concentrations of PAF were significantly higher in the group with severe preeclampsia (928.9+/-32.3 ng/ml) and mild preeclampsia (789.1+/-63.9 ng/ml) than in the normotensive pregnancy group (435.8+/-59.5 ng/ml) (p<0.05). The mean birth weight was lower in the mild and severe preeclampsia groups than in the normotensive pregnancy group (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Maternal serum NO and PAF concentrations were more increased in preeclampsia than normotensive pregnancy group. NO may therefore serve as compensatory mechanism for vasoconstriction of preeclampsia and PAF as a marker for the risk of preeclampsia.

Keyword

Preeclampsia; Nitric oxide; Platelet activating factor; Birth weight

MeSH Terms

Birth Weight
Blood Platelets*
Nitric Oxide*
Platelet Activating Factor*
Pre-Eclampsia*
Pregnancy
Vasoconstriction
Nitric Oxide
Platelet Activating Factor