Endothelins (ETs), recently discovered and highly vasoactive substances, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various perinatal problems, such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation, intraventricular hemorrhage, pulmonary hypertension and necrotizing enterocolitis. Although fetal ET levels have been measured at birth, reference ET values for healthy newborns in the first days of life have not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine in normal healthy neonates ET 1-21 plasma values on day 1 and 4 postpartum and to investigate possible changes after adaptation of the newborn to extrauterine life. The study comprised 20 healthy full-term neonates, born after vaginal delivery (n =10), or cesarean section (CS; n = 10) because of a previous CS. Venous blood was drawn on day 1 and 4 from all neonates and ET 1-21 levels were determined in the plasma by radioimmunoassay(Amersham kit RPA 5559). ET 1-21 values were on day 1 11.83 ± 2.39pmol/l (n = 20) and on day 4 9.45 ±1.88 pmol/l (n = 20). The statistical analysis showed a significant reduction of plasma ET levels on day 4 (p = 0.004), but no influence of the mode of delivery on plasma ET levels. In conclusion irrespective of the mode of delivery the high ET 1-21 plasma levels on day 1 postpartum are significantly reduced on day 4 of life.

Keywords:
Endothelins, plasma levels Neonate, full-term
This content is only available via PDF.
1993
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.