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Exhaled nitric oxide concentration and amniotic fluid nitrite concentration during pregnancy
N H Morris1, S Carroll, K H Nicolaides
1Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Fetal and maternal nitric oxide (NO) production was assessed during pregnancy. Amniotic fluid nitrite levels significantly decreased in late pregnancy, suggesting reduced NO may increase uterine activity.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in physiological processes.
- Understanding NO production during pregnancy is vital for maternal and fetal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess fetal and maternal nitric oxide (NO) production throughout pregnancy.
- To investigate changes in NO metabolites in amniotic fluid and exhaled air.
Main Methods:
- Chemiluminescence was used to measure exhaled NO and amniotic fluid nitrite concentrations.
- Measurements were taken between 10 and 42 weeks of gestation.
Main Results:
- Exhaled NO concentrations remained stable throughout gestation.
- A significant decrease in amniotic fluid nitrite concentrations was observed after 37 weeks of gestation (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Amniotic fluid nitrite levels decline in late pregnancy.
- Reduced nitric oxide production may be implicated in the increased uterine activity observed in late gestation.