Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Disruption of the Mouse Blood-Brain Barrier by Small Extracellular Vesicles from Hypoxic Human Placentas
Published on: January 26, 2024
Endogenous inhibitors of nitric oxide and preeclampsia: a review
Femke Slaghekke1, Gus Dekker, Bill Jeffries
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lyell McEwin Health Service, University of Adelaide, Australia.
Abstract:
Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent vasodilator. NO is synthesized by NO synthases (NOS) and NOS are inhibited by asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA). ADMA is metabolized by dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) and excreted in the kidneys. Lower ADMA levels in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls suggest that ADMA has a role in vascular dilatation and blood pressure changes. Several studies show an increase in ADMA levels in pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia. Elevated ADMA levels in preeclampsia are seen before clinical symptoms have developed; these findings suggest that ADMA has a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
Related Concept Videos
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators
Hormonal Regulation
Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers
Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow. Administered...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
