Abstract
We studied changes in endogenous nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and endothelin-1 (ET-1) production in infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). We determined concentrations of serum NO metabolites, i.e., nitrites and nitrates (NOx), and of plasma ET-1 in five infants with PPHN (PPHN group) and in 25 healthy full-term neonates (control group). In both groups, serum NOx concentrations increased over time and plasma ET-1 concentrations decreased with age. The differences in serum NOx concentrations between groups were not significant at <12 h and 24 h of age; however, they were significantly higher in the PPHN group than in the control group at 5 days of age. The differences in plasma ET-1 concentrations between groups were not significant at 5 days of age, but were significantly higher in the PPHN group than in the control group at <12 h and 24 h of age.
Conclusion Limited endogenous nitric oxide synthesis and elevated endogenous endothelin-1 production during the first few days of life may contribute to pulmonary hypertension in infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.
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Received: 2 September 2000 / Accepted: 15 June 2000
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Endo, A., Ayusawa, M., Minato, M. et al. Endogenous nitric oxide and endothelin-1 in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Eur J Pediatr 160, 217–222 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00008431
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00008431