Key result
Endothelins contract human uterine vascular smooth muscle, while atrial natriuretic peptide counteracts angiotensin II and is elevated by head-down tilt in healthy pregnant women.
Endothelins and ANP have opposing vasoactive effects on human uterine arteries, and pregnancy alters the physiological response of ANP and RAAS to postural changes.
Highlights potential vascular targets in pregnancy but should not alter practice; extends physiological insights and leaves open clinical translation.
Endothelins and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) are vasoactive peptides with effects on the human uterine and umbilical arteries. Endothelin (ET) contracts the vascular smooth muscle. Both ETA- and non-ETA-non-ETB-receptors seem to be involved. Autoradiography reveals binding of ET to vascular smooth muscle. ANP counteracts the contractile effects of angiotensin II in the human uterine artery. Head-down tilt results in elevation of plasma ANP in healthy pregnant women, while the same manoeuvre induces down-regulation of the reninangiotensin-aldosterone system in non-pregnant women and patients suffering from pre-eclampsia.
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Stjernquist et al. (1995) conducted a review in Pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. Vasoactive peptides (Endothelins and ANP) was evaluated. Endothelins contract human uterine vascular smooth muscle, while atrial natriuretic peptide counteracts angiotensin II and is elevated by head-down tilt in healthy pregnant women.
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