Abstract
In this paper, the hemodynamic changes of normal pregnancy are reviewed and the underlying hormonal and molecular mechanisms are discussed. Among other findings related to these phenomena, our previous work has demonstrated the importance of relaxin in systemic and renal vascular as well as osmoregulatory changes during gestation. These findings are summarized, and new concepts related to the function of relaxin in blood vessels are presented. Finally, work in progress is briefly outlined.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Female
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Hemodynamics / drug effects
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Hemodynamics / physiology*
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Humans
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Kidney / drug effects
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Kidney / metabolism
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Kidney / physiology*
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Matrix Metalloproteinases / metabolism
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Pregnancy
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Relaxin / metabolism
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Relaxin / pharmacology
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Relaxin / physiology*
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Vascular Resistance / drug effects
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Vascular Resistance / physiology
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Vasodilation / drug effects
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Vasodilation / physiology
Substances
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Relaxin
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Matrix Metalloproteinases