Objective: To evaluate the effects and possibility of nitroglycerin on Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) treatment.
Methods: In comparison with the third trimester normal pregnant women (Normal group) (n = 11), 34 moderate/severe PIH cases were divided into three groups: PIH treated only with magnesium sulfate (Mg group) (n = 11); PIH treated only with nitroglycerin (Ng group) (n = 11); and PIH treated with Mg + Ng (Combination group) (n = 12). The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in placenta was investigated immunohistochemically and quantitatively. Data such as platelet aggregation (PAg), umbilical artery of S/D ratio and resistance index (RI) with color Doppler and the effect of decrement of blood pressure on PHI groups were evaluated.
Results: In comparision with Normal group, (1) the quantity of eNOS of PIH cases was significantly lower (P < 0.01). (2) umbilical artery S/D ratio and RI in Ng group were significantly lower after introvascular drip of Ng (P < 0.05). (3) Pag in Ng group and Combination group decreased significantly after treatment (P < 0.01), but no difference in Mg group. (4) the decrement of blood pressure on PIH groups, compared with Mg group, was significant in Ng group and Combination groups (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Ng can reduce blood pressure, fetal-placenta circulation resistance, and inhibit PAg. It probably play a role on intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) caused by PIH.