Title

Testosterone and sympathetic nerve activity during pregnancy

Authors

Jason R. Carter, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow

Document Type

Letter to the Editor

Publication Date

3-25-2013

Abstract

To the Editor:

I read with great interest the article by Chinnathambi et al¹ that examined the influence of testosterone on the endothelial nitric oxide (NO) system. The role of testosterone in gestational cardiovascular function has not been adequately examined, despite the fact that testosterone levels are exaggerated in preeclamptic and polycystic ovary syndrome pregnancies. Chinnathambi et al¹ used a well-controlled experimental model in which pregnant rats were injected with vehicle or testosterone propionate, with the goal of increasing plasma testosterone to mimic levels observed during preeclampsia. The authors report that increased testosterone was associated with elevated blood pressure and blunted NO-mediated vasodilation. This novel study provides critical mechanistic insight and a potential therapeutic target during gestational hypertension.

Publisher's Statement

© 2013 American Heart Association, Inc. Publisher's version of record: https://dx.doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.113.01193

Publication Title

Hypertension

Recommended Citation

Carter, J. R. (2013). Testosterone and sympathetic nerve activity during pregnancy. Hypertension, 61. http://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.113.01193
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/kip-fp/28