Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Altered gene expression of endothelin-A and endothelin-B receptors, but not endothelin-1, in myometrium and placenta from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract 

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the mRNA expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1), ET-1 receptors ETA and ETB in myometrium and placenta obtained from biopsies collected from women with preeclampsia (n=10) or normal pregnant (n=12). Methods: The mRNA levels of ET-1, ETA and ETB were determined using RT-PCR and expressed as arbitrary units after correction for control GAPDH gene mRNA levels. Results: The mRNA levels of ET-1 in myometrium and placenta were not altered in women with preeclampsia compared to normal pregnant. The mRNA expression of ETA was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in both placenta and myometrium from women with preeclampsia. The mRNA levels of ETB were similar in placentas from both preeclamptic and normal pregnant women, but higher in myometrium (p<0.05) from women with preeclampsia. Conclusions: These results indicate that the higher levels of ET-1 seen in preeclamptic women do not depend on an altered mRNA transcription of ET-1. The significantly reduced mRNA expression of ETA receptor in myometrium and placenta in women with preeclampsia might represent downregulation of the receptors due to the increased levels of ET-1 in uteroplacental circulation in this disorder. Much more research is needed before the role of ETB receptors in preeclampsia can be clarified.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Received: 6 June 2000 / Accepted: 26 July 2000

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Faxén, M., Nisell, H. & Kublickiene, KR. Altered gene expression of endothelin-A and endothelin-B receptors, but not endothelin-1, in myometrium and placenta from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Arch Gynecol Obstet 264, 143–149 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004040000111

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004040000111

Navigation