Circulating sFlt-1 increases significantly in pregnancy compared to the non-pregnant state and even more so in the event of preeclampsia. We set out to determine if circulating sFlt-1 is placentally derived in normal pregnancy. Paired uterine and peripheral vein samples were collected at time of caesarean section. A follow up peripheral sample was collected in the postpartum period. There was a significant sFlt-1 gradient between uterine and peripheral veins. sFlt-1 levels dropped significantly when the placenta has been removed, i.e. postnatally. This is in keeping with the placenta being the main site of sFlt-1 production in normal pregnancies.
Journal article
2019-04-01T00:00:00+00:00
16
145 - 147
2
Placenta, Preeclampsia, Pregnancy, Uterine vein, sFlt-1, Biomarkers, Female, Humans, Placenta, Postpartum Period, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Trimester, Third, Reference Values, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1