Involvement of prostaglandin F-2 alpha in preeclamptic human umbilical vein vasospasm: a role of prostaglandin F and thromboxane A(2) receptors

Abstract

Objective Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria developing after 20 weeks of gestation. Increased vasoconstriction can be one of the major underlying pathophysiological event in this syndrome. We examined the role of vasoconstrictor prostanoid, prostaglandin F-2 alpha (PGF(2 alpha)) in preeclamptic and normotensive human umbilical veins.