[Effect of highly active atrial natriuretic peptide and changes of superoxide dismutase level in pregnancy induced hypertension].

In this paper, patients with severe pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) were treated with a highly active atrial natriuretic peptide (haANP). The results indicated that the effect of haANP in decreasing blood pressure (BP), clearing proteinuria and detumescence was marked. Serum hSOD-1 concentrations after haANP infusion decreased significantly (P less than 0.01). This may be related to the amelioration of the disease. Serum hSOD-1 concentrations in normal pregnancy and mild, moderate PIH were higher than in the non-pregnant. Serum hSOD-1 concentration in severe PIH was highest. These findings suggested the presence of a defence mechanism in the body against oxidative damage on tissues. The pathogenesis of PIH may be associated with the defence effect of the hSOD-1, and defective free radicals. The initial results suggest that ANP may be related to hSOD-1 in normal pregnancy as well as in PIH.