Objective: To evaluate the alteration of beta 2-adrenoceptor-cAMP system in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).
Methods: The Bmax of beta 2-adrenoceptor on the lymphocyte was examined by radioligand binding technique. The level of plasma cAMP was observed by radio competitive protein binding assay.
Results: The Bmax of beta 2-adrenoceptor (259 fmol/10(6) cell +/- 22 fmol/10(6) cell) on the lymphocytes was significantly higher in PIH group than in control group (247 fmol/10(6) cell +/- 23 fmol/10(6) cell). There was no significant difference between the PIH group and the controls. The content of plasma cAMP (2.94 nmol/40 microliters +/- 0.91 nmol/40 microliters) was significantly higher in PIH group than in control group (0.19 nmol/40 microliters +/- 0.05 nmol/40 microliters).
Conclusion: The mechanism of PIH may be related with the activity of beta 2-adrenoceptor-cAMP system.