TROPHOBLAST BINDING AND RELEASE OF ENDOTH ELIN-1 IN NORMAL AND PREECLAMPTIC HUMAN PREGNANCIES

Objectives: The hypothesis was tested that the synthesis or binding of endothelin-1 (ET-1) by the trophoblast are altered in preeclampsia. M ethods: Trophoblast cells (TC) were isolated from 15 normal (C) und 18 pre-eclamptic pregnancies (P). Binding of [I-125]ET-1 to plasma membr anes of TC was determined after 48 h in culture. Concentration of ET-1 in culture media were measured after each 24 h over 5 day culture per iod. Results: Specific binding was 150% (week 37-40) -400% (week 31-36 ) higher (P<0.01) in P. In contrast, the release of ET-1 was 60% (week 31-36) -71% (week 37-40) lower (P<0.01) in P than in healthy controls . Conclusions: Pre-eclampsia is associated with a lower release and in creased binding of ET-1 by trophoblast cells.