Stimulation of the ADRB3 Adrenergic Receptor Induces Relaxation of Human Placental Arteries: Influence of Preeclampsia

Abstract Preeclampsia, which complicates 3–8% of pregnancies, is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Its pathophysiology remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence and the role of β2- and β3-adrenergic receptors (ADRB2 and ADRB3, respectively) in human placental arteries and to assess the influence of preeclampsia on ADRB responsiveness. SR 59119A, salbutamol, and isoproterenol (ADRB3, ADRB2, and nonselective ADRB agonists, respectively) induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of placental artery rings obtained from women with uncomplicated or preeclamptic pregnancies. SR 59119A-induced relaxation was unaffected by the blockade of ADRB1 and ADRB2 by 0.1 μM propranolol but was significantly decreased by the blockade of ADRB1, ADRB2, and ADRB3 by 10 μM propranolol. Both SR 59119A and salbutamol were associated with a significant increase in cAMP production that was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with 0.1 μM propranolol only for salb...