Recombinant human relaxin (rhRLX) modifies systemic arterial properties in conscious rats irrespective of gender, but in a biphasic fashion.

Chronic administration of recombinant human relaxin (rhRLX) to conscious female nonpregnant rats that reaches serum concentrations of 10-30 ng/mL increases cardiac output and reduces systemic arterial load comparable to levels observed in midterm pregnancy. Chronic administration of the hormone to male rats increases cardiac output and reduces systemic arterial load to a similar extent. Short-term or chronic administration of rhRLX to conscious female rats that reaches serum concentrations of approximately 80 ng/mL results in minimal and insignificant changes. We conclude that: (1) rhRLX increases cardiac output and reduces arterial load irrespective of gender, and (2)the rhRLX dose response is biphasic.