Plasma nitric oxide, endothelin-1, arginase and superoxide dismutase in the plasma and placentae from preeclamptic patients.

The aim of this study was to determine parameters of NO metabolism in plasma and placenta of preeclamptic (PE) patients. It was conducted a case-control study at São José Hospital, Brazil. Thirty-three PE and 33 normotensive pregnant were included in the study. The diagnosis of PE was established in accordance with the definitions of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Peripheral venous blood and placenta samples were obtained at postpartum period. Plasma NO levels and SOD activity were significantly lower and endothelin-1 levels and arginase activity were significantly higher in PE women when compared to controls. None of the analyzed parameters were different in the placenta between groups. Our findings suggest that parameters associated with NO metabolism are altered only at the systemic level, but not in placenta of PE patients.