Nitric oxide metabolites in normal human pregnancy and preeclampsia

Abstract

Objective: Alterations in the vascular endothelial release of nitric oxide (NO) may contribute to the vasodilatory adaptation to normal pregnancy and to the vasoconstriction associated with preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to investigate these hypotheses by measuring plasma levels of the stable metabolites of NO, nitrite and nitrate, during normal human pregnancy and those complicated by preeclampsia. Methods: Plasma samples were obtained from women in the following groups: nonpregnant; normal first-, second-, and third-trimester pregnant; and preeclamptic. Nitrite concentrations in the samples were determined using a colorimetric assay. Nitrate concentrations were determined using an..