Longitudinal study of beta- and alpha-adrenergic receptor properties during human pregnancy.

Abstract

Our goal was to ascertain whether alterations in beta- and alpha-adrenergic receptor number and function (cyclic adenosine monophosphate production) occur during and after pregnancy. Because the actions of beta- and alpha2-adrenergic receptors tend to oppose each other, we hypothesized that there might be progressive, possibly reciprocal changes in these receptors during and after pregnancy. Blood was obtained from 21 women at 10, 20, 30, and 37 weeks of pregnancy and 3 to 4 months post partum. Lymphocyte beta- and platelet alpha2-adrenergic receptor number and affinity were quantified by radioligand binding studies, and receptor function was assessed by cyclic adenosine monophosphate generation assays. Although there were suggestions of progressive alterations in some of the variables studied, beta- and alpha2-adrenergic receptor number, affinity, and function did not manifest any statistically significant changes. Pregnancy did not produce marked alterations in beta-adrenergic receptor or alpha2-adrenergic receptor properties.