Phosphodiesterase inhibitor effect on small artery function in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, sildenafil citrate improves endothelial-dependent relaxation of small arteries from women with preeclampsia.

METHODS

Myometrial and omental biopsies were taken from women participating in a randomized placebo-controlled trial using sildenafil citrate in women with preeclampsia. Vasoconstriction and endothelial-dependent relaxation of small arteries was measured utilizing wire myography.

RESULTS

Vasoconstriction and endothelial-dependent relaxation of myometrial and omental arteries were not altered in women taking sildenafil.

CONCLUSION

Acute effects may have been lost as sildenafil administration occurred many hours prior to myography. Plasma sildenafil levels may have been lower than required for vascular response.