Platelet PGI2 receptor affinity is reduced in pre-eclampsia.

Prostacyclin (PGI2) receptors were studied in platelet membrane preparations from women with normal pregnancy, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) or pre-eclampsia. Patient groups showed no differences in gestational week at delivery. A markedly lower birth weight, however, was found in pre-eclampsia. No differences between groups could be detected in platelet PGI2 receptor number. In contrast, the binding affinity to the PGI2 mimetic iloprost was considerably reduced in pre-eclampsia, whereas receptor affinity between PIH and normal pregnancy did not differ significantly.