Plasma dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity in pregnancy-induced hypertension

Plasma dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity was estimated in non-pregnant women, normotensive pregnant women during the third trimester and women with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Non-pregnant women from a high income group had significantly higher DBH activity than their low income counterparts. DBH activity was significantly elevated in women with PIH when compared with non-pregnant and normal pregnant women from a low income group, but was lower than the level in well-nourished, non-pregnant normotensive women.