Artrial Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations in Preeclampsia

During pregnancy various humoral and functional mechanisms were recognized, that regulate the water and electrolyte household. In preeclampsia, increased water-sodium retention results from a variety of pathophysiological changes in the endocrinological system. There are also organ-specific changes, such as renal clearance reduction up to 30% in comparison to normal pregnancy. For many years, physiologists expected to find additional cardial mechanisms that influence homeostasis. In 1981, de Bold [3] identified ANP a new humoral factor that leads to increased water and sodium excretion. The influence of ANP in preeclampsia has been the subject of controversial discussion.