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Inflammatory cytokines in the pathophysiology of hypertension during preeclampsia

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Abstract

Reduced uterine perfusion pressure during pregnancy is an important initiating event in preeclampsia. Inflammatory cytokines are thought to link placental ischemia with cardiovascular and renal dysfunction. Supporting a role for cytokines are findings of elevated tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 plasma levels in preeclamptic women. Blood pressure regulatory systems (eg, renin-angiotensin system [RAS] and sympathetic nervous system) interact with proinflammatory cytokines, which affect angiogenic and endothelium-derived factors regulating endothelial function. Chronic reductions in placental perfusion in pregnant rats are associated with enhanced TNF-α and IL-6 production. Chronic infusion of TNF-α or IL-6 into normal pregnant rats significantly increases arterial pressure and impairs renal hemodynamics. TNF-α activates the endothelin system in placental, renal, and vascular tissues, and IL-6 stimulates the RAS. These findings suggest that inflammatory cytokines elevate blood pressure during pregnancy by activating multiple neurohumoral and endothelial factors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA

    Joey P. Granger

Authors
  1. Babbette D. LaMarca
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  2. Michael J. Ryan
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  3. Jeffrey S. Gilbert
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  4. Sydney R. Murphy
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  5. Joey P. Granger
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Correspondence to Joey P. Granger.

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LaMarca, B.D., Ryan, M.J., Gilbert, J.S. et al. Inflammatory cytokines in the pathophysiology of hypertension during preeclampsia. Current Science Inc 9, 480–485 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-007-0088-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-007-0088-1

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