Effects of vasoactive agents on intracellular calcium and force in myometrial and subcutaneous resistance arteries isolated from preeclamptic, pregnant, and nonpregnant woman

Endothelial function is altered in preeclampsia, with loss of effect of acetylcholine, but not substance P. Vasoconstrictor reactivity is not increased in preeclampsia compared with uncomplicated normal pregnancy, and this is unlikely to be an explanation for the increased peripheral vascular resistance seen in preeclampsia.