• S R Hansson, B Bottalico, I Amer-Wahlin, K Marsál, and D Ley.
• Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden. stefan.hansson@med.lu.se
• Acta Paediatr. 2007 May 1;96(5):650-4.

ObjectiveNorepinephrine (NE) is elevated in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (PE). Specific uptake of NE by the NE transporter (NET) plays a central role as regulator of NE levels. Expression of NET is reduced in placentas from PE pregnancies. To study adverse fetal effects of reduced NET expression on the placental buffering capacity, the NET was pharmacologically blocked by a specific uptake inhibitor reboxetine.Study DesignWe evaluated the effect of NE uptake inhibition on maternal and fetal arterial blood pressure responses to increasing maternal doses of NE in 10 chronically prepared fetal sheep. Arterial blood pressure was monitored continuously during increasing doses of i.v. NE.ResultsNET inhibition increased both fetal and maternal mean arterial blood pressure (p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionReuptake by NET appears to be a mechanism protecting the fetus from NE. A reduced uptake capacity in preeclamptic pregnancies due to reduced NE uptake may lead to increased fetal arterial blood pressure.

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