Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia.

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (pBNP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (pcGMP) in preeclamptic patients and controls.

Study Design: Blood samples were obtained from 35 patients with preeclampsia and from the same women during the subsequent puerperal period. The control group consisted of normotensive pregnant women, matched with the patients for age, gestational age, and parity. The concentrations of pBNP and pcGMP were determined by the RIA method. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney's U test.

Results: The pBNP level in the preeclampsia group was significantly increased, to 7-fold that of the control group. The pcGMP level was 50% higher in the preeclampsia group than in the control group, but this was not significant. Both the pBNP level and the pcGMP level in the puerperal period did not significantly differ between the patients and the controls.

Conclusion: The pBNP concentrations increased in the preeclamptic women, and then these compensations were normalized in the puerperal period.