Phosphodiesterases and preeclampsia.

Antagonizing vasodilation has been considered one of the potential mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Phosphodiesterases hydrolyze cGMP, interfering with the action of nitric oxide on vascular smooth muscle, thus causing vasoconstriction. We hypothesize that the phosphodiesterases in maternal plasma, phosphodiesterase-5 in particular, may be linked to clinical manifestations in preeclampsia syndrome.