Abstract

The primary feature of pre-eclampsia is the pregnancy-associated rise in arterial pressure. Oedema and proteinuria also frequently occur. There is increased responsiveness to pressor agents. Prolactin is present in elevated amounts in human pregnancy and is found in very large quantities in amniotic fluid. Prolactin can cause renal retention of fluid and electrolytes, can elevate arterial pressure and can protentiate responses to pressor agents. It is suggested that either elevated prolactin levels or an increased responsiveness to normal prolactin levels may play a key role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.