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Plasma renin substrate and oestrogens in normal pregnancy
Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation
|February 1, 1983
Summary
Estrogens, specifically estradiol and estriol, significantly increase plasma renin substrate during pregnancy. Individual responses vary, highlighting personalized physiological changes in pregnant women.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Pregnancy involves significant hormonal shifts affecting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
- Understanding the role of hormones like estrogens in regulating key cardiovascular components is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum estrogen levels and plasma renin substrate and activity during pregnancy.
- To determine if estrogens are responsible for increased plasma renin substrate concentrations observed in pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Studied six women throughout their pregnancy.
- Measured serum concentrations of estrogens (estradiol-17 beta and estriol).
- Measured plasma renin substrate and plasma renin activity.
Main Results:
- Significant positive correlations found between serum estradiol-17 beta and plasma renin substrate (r=0.60).
- Significant positive correlations found between serum estriol and plasma renin substrate (r=0.68).
- No significant correlation observed between serum estrogens and plasma renin activity.
Conclusions:
- Estrogens are likely responsible for the elevation of plasma renin substrate during pregnancy.
- Emphasized significant individual variations in the dose-response relationship between serum estrogens and plasma renin substrate concentrations.