The metabolic clearance rate of dehydroisoandrosterone sulfate. IV. Acute effects of induced hypertension, hypotension, and naturesis in normal and hypertensive pregnancies.

In the present study, the metabolic clearance rate of dehydroisoandrosterone sulfate (MCRDS) decreased in normotensive gravidas during short-term studies utilizing angiotensin II-induced elevation of blood pressure. Therapy with hydralazine hydrochloride in chronic hypertensive gravidas resulted in a decrease in blood pressure and an accompanying decrease in the MCRDS. A variable response was observed in the apparent volume of distribution of DS (AVDDS) during therapy with hydralazine hydrochloride. Decreases in MCRDS also occurred in chronic hypertensive gravidas following therapy with 40 mg. of intravenously administered furosemide despite a failure of blood pressure to be altered. The AVDDS increased in four of five patients receiving furosemide, suggesting a possible direct action of furosemide upon vascular smooth muscle.