Urinary prostaglandin excretion in pregnancy: the effect of dietary sodiumrestriction

Introduction: Dietary sodium restriction results in activation of the renin -angiotensin-aldosterone-system. In the non-pregnant situation renin releas e in response to a low sodium diet is mediated by prostaglandins. We studie d the effect of dietary sodium restriction on urinary prostaglandin metabol ism in pregnancy. Patients and methods: In a randomized, longitudinal study the excretion of urinary metabolites of prostacyclin (6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) and 2,3-dinor-6-ke to-PGF(1 alpha)) and thromboxane A(2) (TxB(2) and 2,3-dinor-TxB(2)) was det ermined throughout pregnancy and post partum in 12 women on a low sodium di et and in 12 controls. Results: In pregnancy the excretion of all urinary prostaglandins is increa sed. The 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha)/ TxB(2)-ratio as well as the 2,3-dinor-6-keto- PGF(1 alpha)/ 2,3-dinor-TxB(2)-ratio did not significantly change in pregna ncy. Conclusion: Prostacyclin and thromboxane do not seem to play an important r ole in sodium balance during pregnancy. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.