Changes in Ca2+ Signaling and Nitric Oxide Output by Human Umbilical Vein Endothelium in Diabetic and Gestational Diabetic Pregnancies.

Diabetes (DM) complicates 3%-10% of pregnancies, resulting in significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. DM pregnancies are also associated with vascular dysfunction, including blunted nitric oxide (NO) output, but it remains unclear why. Herein we examine changes in endothelial NO production and its relationship to Ca(2+) signaling in endothelial cells of intact umbilical veins from control versus gestational diabetic (GDM) or preexisting diabetic subjects.