Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to summarize the reported evidence on the possible relationship between preeclampsia, placenta, oxidative stress and plasma membrane Ca-ATPase (PMCA) activity, responsible for fine control of intracellular calcium concentration. METHODS: Literature search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed and several unpublished results from our laboratory were included. RESULTS: Lipid peroxidation in placental and red blood cell plasma membranes during preeclampsia and a concomitant diminution of their PMCA activity are described. CONCLUSIONS: Uteroplacental hypoperfusion raises lipid peroxidation by-products in the blood plasma that could alter structure and functionality of the cell membranes of the endothelium and several tissues.