Immunoreactive endothelin concentrations in maternal and fetal blood

Life Sci. 1990;46(15):1045-50. doi: 10.1016/0024-3205(90)90412-k.

Abstract

Immunoreactive-endothelin (ir-ET) concentrations were determined in peripheral maternal blood and in umbilical cord blood just after delivery. The concentrations in both the umbilical artery (2.83 +/- 1.36 pmol/l plasma, Mean +/- SD) and vein (3.37 +/- 1.53 pmol/l) were significantly higher than those found in maternal venous blood (1.43 +/- 1.02 pmol/l). On the other hand, ir-ET levels in maternal blood were not significantly different when compared with those found in non-pregnant women (1.50 +/- 0.83 pmol/l). No significant difference of ir-ET levels between the umbilical artery and vein was observed. A highly significant correlation (r = 0.60, p less than 0.01) of ir-ET levels between the umbilical artery and vein was observed. Also, a significant correlation (r = 0.48, p less than 0.01) between umbilical vein and maternal vein ir-ET levels with a weaker correlation (r = 0.36, p less than 0.05) between umbilical artery and maternal vein ir-ET levels was demonstrated. The present study indicates that ir-ET may be actively secreted in fetal circulation and the plasma levels in maternal and fetal circulation may have a possible relation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross Reactions
  • Endothelins
  • Female
  • Fetal Blood / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange*
  • Peptides / blood
  • Peptides / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Umbilical Cord / metabolism
  • Veins / metabolism

Substances

  • Endothelins
  • Peptides