Cholinesterase Levels in Cord Blood in Preeclamptics

Abstract

Objective: Human placenta, a non-neural tissue, contains cholinergic system and high affinity muscarinic receptors. Role of Cholinesterases (CE) in trophoblast function and pregnancy is not clear. The present study was planned to analyse cholinesterase (CE) levels in cord blood in preeclamptic women. Materials and Methods: Cholinesterase levels were analyzed in maternal and cord blood in women with preeclampsia (n=25) and compared with those of normotensive pregnant women (n=25) and normal, healthy controls (n=25) by kinetic method (new DGKC method) using auto analyzer. Results: Cholinesterase levels were lower in maternal blood of preeclamptics as compared to normotensive controls. Cord blood cholinesterase levels were lowered in babies of normotensives and cord blood CE levels were 88.65% of the maternal levels. Cord cholinesterase levels were significantly lowered in preeclamptic as compared to normotensive pregnant. On comparing CE levels with normal control (Group III) it was observed that CE levels were significantly raised both in normotensive as well as preeclamptic women. Conclusion: Findings of the present study indicate that decrease in cholinesterase levels in preeclampsia via loss of muscarinic cholinergic receptors occurring in preeclampsia.