Changes in plasma adenosine concentrations during normal pregnancy

The aim of this study was to measure changes in plasma adenosine concentrat ion [ADO] during a normal pregnancy and to evaluate the possible role of pl atelets and red blood cells (RBC) as causes of changes in plasma [ADO], We measured the plasma [ADO] in normal pregnant women (n = 11) during the firs t, second and third trimesters, The mean plasma [ADO] in the third trimeste r was 0.41 +/- 0.08 mu M(means +/- SEM), significantly higher than in the f irst and second trimesters (p < 0.05). In pregnant women, platelet and RBC counts, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration decreased slightly througho ut the pregnancy. The elevation in the plasma [ADO] correlated inversely wi th the platelet count (r = -0.43, p < 0.05), These results suggest that an increase in the plas ma [ADO] in the third trimester may be attributed to t he enhanced adenosine release from activated platelets. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.