The role of serotonin in the genesis of hypertension in preeclampsia.

While it is generally accepted that preeclampsia is a disease of the microvasculature characterized by an imbalance between prostacyclin and thromboxane and that the evidence for enhanced responsiveness to some vasopressors is present weeks before clinical disease, the specific cause of the hypertension characterizing the syndrome is unknown. A number of endogenous vasopressor substances have been examined without conclusive findings. Pharmacologic and methodologic advances over the last decade have resulted in a body of information implicating serotonin as a mediator in the genesis of preeclamptic hypertension. This information is summarized and a possible mechanism of delivery and action is suggested.