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Cerebrospinal fluid nitric oxide level changes in preeclampsia.
Onder Celik1, Seyma Hascalik, Yusuf Turkoz
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, Inonu University, 44069 Malatya, Turkey. oncelik@inonu.edu.tr
European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
|November 5, 2003
Summary
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) nitric oxide (NO) metabolites are higher in preeclampsia, while serum NO metabolites are lower. This suggests distinct NO regulation in these compartments, potentially aiding in understanding brain perfusion issues in preeclampsia.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure.
- Nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in vascular homeostasis.
- Dysregulation of NO metabolism is implicated in various hypertensive disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify nitric oxide (NO) metabolites (nitrite and nitrate) in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum.
- To investigate the relationship between CSF and serum NO metabolite levels and preeclampsia.
Main Methods:
- Studied 21 preeclamptic and 27 healthy pregnant women undergoing cesarean section.
- Collected CSF and venous blood samples before spinal anesthesia.
- Measured total nitrite, direct nitrite, and nitrate levels in CSF and serum spectrophotometrically.
Main Results:
- CSF total nitrite, direct nitrite, and nitrate levels were significantly higher in preeclamptic women compared to controls (P<0.05).
- Serum nitrate levels were significantly lower in preeclamptic women (25.06+/-2.02 micromol/l) than in controls (31.84+/-2.31 micromol/l).
- Statistical analysis used the Mann-Whitney U-test.
Conclusions:
- CSF nitric oxide (NO) metabolites are elevated, while serum NO metabolites are decreased in preeclampsia, indicating independent regulation.
- Measuring CSF-NO metabolites may help elucidate the role of NO production in brain hypoperfusion associated with preeclampsia.