URINARY PGE(2) AND PGF(2-ALPHA) LEVELS AND RENAL FUNCTIONS IN PREECLAMPSIA

The role of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) and prostaglandin F-2 alpha (PG F(2 alpha)) in the pathogenesis of hypertension and altered renal func tions, which are the main symptoms of preeclampsia, has gained importa nce. Serum and urine samples of 59 women (24 preeclamptic pregnant (PE P), 20 normotensive pregnant (NTP) and 15 nonpregnant) were investigat ed by means of prostaglandin levels and urea, creatinine and creatinin e clearance values. PEP patients, when compared with NTP patients, sho w a significant decrease in PGE(2) and PGF(2 alpha) levels (p < 0.01 a nd p < 0.05, respectively) accompanied by changes in some parameters o f renal function such as serum urea, creatinine and creatinine clearan ce. Although disorders in prostaglandin levels may be responsible for some renal pathologic changes, renal functional and morphologic altera tions may also result in abnormal prostaglandin activity.