[Thrombocyte prostacyclin receptors in gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia].

OBJECTIVE

To determine prostacyclin (PGI2) receptor characteristics in pregnancies complicated by hypertension and to assess any relation to the clinical outcome.

METHODS

Radioligand binding studies with [3H]-Iloprost were performed to measure receptor capacity (Bmax) and affinity (Kd-1) using platelet membranes from patients with preeclampsia, gestational hypertension or normal pregnancy.

RESULTS

PGI2 receptor capacity did not differ between the patient groups. In contrast, PGI2 receptor affinity was diminished in gestational hypertension and considerably reduced in preeclampsia compared to normal pregnancy. A similar pattern was found in fetal growth (normal pregnancy > gestational hypertension > preeclampsia). Furthermore, the rate of low Apgar scores and acidosis was increased in preeclampsia.

CONCLUSIONS

In preeclampsia reduced platelet PGI2 receptor affinity was found as well as poor pregnancy outcome in comparison with normal pregnancy, whereas these differences were less pronounced in gestational hypertension. This suggests a role of PGI2 and its receptor in gestational hypertension and in particular in preeclampsia.