Function of aldosterone in the metabolism of sodium and water in pregnancy

A study of angiotensin II pressor response throughout primigravid pregnancy

The present study was designed to ascertain sequentially the pressor response to angiotensin II in young primigravid patients throughout pregnancy in order a) to define when in pregnancy resistance to the pressor effects of angiotensin II develops; b) to define the physiologic sequence of events leading to this resistance; and c) to ascertain whether sensitivity to infused angiotensin II could be detected before the onset of clinical signs of pregnancy-induced hypertension. With this prospective approach, two separate groups of patients were defined. The first group of patients remained normal throughout pregnancy. The second group consisted of those patients who, while clinically normotensive during the initial phase of the study, ultimately developed hypertension of pregnancy.192 patients were studied; of these, 120 patients remained normotensive and 72 developed pregnancy-induced hypertension. In both groups, vascular resistance to infused angiotensin II (more than 8 ng/kg/min required to elicit a pressor response of 20 mm Hg in diastolic pressure) was demonstrated as early as the 10th wk of pregnancy. In the group that remained normotensive, maximum mean vascular resistance occurred at 18-30 wk of pregnancy, (mean pressor dose required being 13.5 to 14.9 ng/kg/min). In those subjects who developed pregnancy-induced hypertension, the mean maximum dose required was 12.9 ng/kg/min, which was observed at the 18th wk of pregnancy. By the 22nd wk there was a clear separation of the two groups, with the mean dose requirement of the subjects destined to develop hypertension being progressively less than that of those who remained normal. The difference between the two groups became significant (P < 0.01) by 23-26 wk of pregnancy. Among patients requiring more than 8 ng/kg/min on one or more tests done between wk 28-32, 91% remained normotensive. Conversely, during the same time period among patients requiring less than 8 ng/kg/min, on at least one occasion, 90% developed pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Plasma aldosterone concentration at delivery and during the newborn period

Aldosterone concentrations in plasma of women on normal sodium intake undergoing cesarean section were 3.7+/-1.4 ng/100 ml (mean+/-1 SD). These values were significantly lower (P < 0.001) than those observed in mothers on normal sodium diet, delivered by the vaginal route (14.9+/-7.0 ng/100 ml). A significant elevation (P < 0.001) of the concentrations was found if the mothers had been on sodium restriction and/or diuretics (44.9+/-24.2 ng/100 ml). In supine position, adult nonpregnant subjects have aldosterone concentrations in plasma of 1.7+/-1.4 ng/100 ml on normal sodium intake and of 16.7+/-8.1 ng/100 ml on low sodium diet.Simultaneous determinations of aldosterone levels in cord blood showed that cord values were significantly higher than those of the corresponding mother (P < 0.01 by paired t test). However, values in cord blood of infants born to mothers on a normal sodium intake were significantly lower (P < 0.005) than those of infants whose mothers had required low sodium diet and/or diuretics during their pregnancy. Aldosterone concentrations in plasma of infants 1-72 hr of age and born to mothers on normal sodium intake were 25.9+/-11.7 ng/100 ml (mean +/-1 SD). These values were significantly lower (P < 0.005) than those of infants born to mothers on restricted sodium intake with or without diuretics (80.3+/-54.4 ng/100 ml). The concentrations at birth were not significantly different from those observed during the first 3 days of life (P > 0.6).

Renin, angiotensin and aldosterone in human pregnancy and the menstrual cycle

Aldosterone secretion is frequently, although not invariably, increased above the normal non-pregnant range in normal pregnancy. Substantial increases in plasma aldosterone concentration have also been demonstrated as early as the sixteenth week. In pregnancy, aldosterone secretion rate responds in the usual way to changes in sodium intake.

Plasma renin concentration is frequently, but not invariably, raised above the normal non-pregnant range. Plasma renin-substrate is consistently raised in pregnancy. Plasma angiotensin II has also been shown usually to be raised in a series of pregnant women.

A significant positive correlation has been shown between the maternal plasma aldosterone concentration and the product of the concurrent plasma renin and renin-substrate concentrations. This suggests that the increased plasma aldosterone in pregnancy is the consequence of an increase in circulating angiotensin II, which in turn is related to the level of both renin and its substrate in maternal blood. For these reasons, estimations of renin activity in pregnancy are of dubious value.

The increased renin, angiotensin and aldosterone concentrations may represent a tendency to maternal sodium depletion, probably mainly a consequence of the increased glomerular filtration rate. It is possible that the nausea and other symptoms of early pregnancy may be a consequence of this tendency to sodium depletion, with its attendant hormonal changes. In ‘pre-eclampsia’, renin and aldosterone values are generally slightly lower than in normal pregnancy. Human chorion can apparently synthesize renin independently of the kidney. The physiological significance of this remains at present obscure, but it seems unlikely that this source contributes much, if at all, to the often elevated maternal plasma renin.

Plasma renin, renin-activity and angiotensin II concentrations, and aldosterone secretion are increased in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.