• S Khatun, N Kanayama, H M Belayet, A B Bhuiyan, S Jahan, A Begum, T Kobayashi, and T Terao.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan.
• Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 2000 Apr 1; 182 (4): 896-900.

ObjectiveEpinephrine and norepinephrine are associated with the hyperstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Neuropeptide Y is a potent vasoconstrictive substance that is released in response to sympathetic nerve stimulation.Study DesignThe concentrations of plasma neuropeptide Y in pregnant patients with eclampsia (n = 8), preeclampsia (n = 8), and normotension (n = 8) were measured by radioimmunoassay on admission and 6 days after delivery. Correlations between plasma concentration of neuropeptide Y and mean arterial blood pressure were also evaluated in these patients on admission and 6 days after delivery.ResultsThe plasma level of neuropeptide Y in women with eclampsia (P <.001) and preeclampsia (P <.003) was found to be significantly elevated with respect to that in normotensive pregnant women. At 6 days after delivery the concentration of plasma neuropeptide Y was significantly decreased in women with eclampsia, women with preeclampsia, and women with normotensive pregnancies compared with the value measured on admission (P <.0001, P <.0001, and P <.002, respectively). At admission the plasma neuropeptide Y level was positively correlated with mean arterial blood pressure in women with eclampsia and preeclampsia. However, no significant correlations were observed between plasma neuropeptide Y concentration and mean arterial blood pressure both at admission and 6 days after delivery in normotensive pregnant women and 6 days after delivery in women with eclampsia and preeclampsia.ConclusionWe have concluded that the level of neuropeptide Y in plasma is increased in women with eclampsia and preeclampsia. Elevated plasma neuropeptide Y levels may play a key role in the development of eclampsia and preeclampsia.

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