Serotonin Metabolism in the Fetus in Preeclampsia†

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Abstract
We investigated serotonin (5‐HT) metabolism in the fetus in preeclampsia by measuring free 5‐HT, 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) and tryptophan concentrations in umbilical cord plasma and amniotic fluid, and 5‐HT content in platelets by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Free 5‐HT and 5‐HIAA levels in umbilical cord plasma were significantly higher in the severe pre‐eclamptic group (S) than those in the non‐preeclamptic group (N). The plasma 5‐HIAA/5‐HT ratio in group S was significantly lower than that in group N. Platelet 5‐HT content in group S tended to be lower than that in group N. Mean plasma /3‐thromboglobulin concentration in group S was significantly higher than that in group N. There was no significant difference in plasma tryptophan levels between group S and N. These findings suggest that the higher levels of plasma free 5‐HT in umbilical cord plasma in preeclampsia are attributable to excess release of 5‐HT from platelets as well as lower monoamine oxidase activity.