Enhancement of vascular contractility by plasma substances obtained from pregnancy-induced hypertension

Abstract

1. 1. Augmentation of norepinephrine (NE)-induced contraction of isolated dog mesenteric arteries by ouabain was significantly enhanced under 4 mM potassium ([K +]) medium condition compared with usual medium condition at 6 mM [K +]. 2. 2. Vascular contractility to NE was significantly enhanced by plasma substances obtained from pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) patients compared with that from normotensive pregnant women under 4 mM [K +] medium condition despite of no difference between them under 6 mM [K +] medium condition. 3. 3. These results suggest the possible involvement of the ouabain-like substance in development of hypertension in PIH patients.