[Changes in blood oxytocin levels in cases of pregnancy induced hypertension].

Serial measurements of plasma oxytocin concentration were done by radioimmunoassay in 38 cases of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and 38 cases of normal pregnancy (NP). The results showed that there was no obvious difference in the plasma oxytocin concentration between patients with early PIH and NP, but a higher concentration in cases with PIH at term pregnancy than that in NP and a significantly higher level in intrapartum women with PIH. The results also indicated a much higher oxytocin concentration in cases of moderate and severe PIH as compared to that of NP. An obviously higher level of plasma oxytocin was found in severe PIH than in mild PIH. Based on this study we suggest that the clinical use of oxytocin in cases with PIH should be different from that in NP.