The detection and clinical significance of nitric oxide synthetase activity in placenta tissue
Chen, D.; Zheng, M.
Zhonghua Fu Chan Ke Za Zhi 31(7): 406-408
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0529-567X PMID: 9275412 Document Number: 458289
To study the role of nitric oxide (NO) secreted by placenta tissue in pregnancy. The activity of nitric oxide synthetase (NOS), the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in placental tissue were measured in 37 normal pregnant women at various gestational ages and in 6 patients with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). The activity of NOS decreased with the advancement of pregnancy. It was higher in normal mid and late pregnancy than that in PIH. In normal pregnancy, there was positive correlation between the activity of NOS and the activity of SOD (r = 0.3588, P < 0.05), and birth weight as well (r = 0.4340, P < 0.05). Negative correlations between the activity of NOS and the concentration of MDA (r = 0.4355, P < 0.05), and gestational age (r = -0.4742, P < 0.05) were found. NOS secreted by placenta may play an important role in regulating the process of pregnancy and the pathogenesis of PIH.