Apparent systemic 11ß-dehydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 activity is increased in preeclampsia but not in intrauterine growth restriction

The increased apparent serum 11β-HSD2 activity observed with advancing gestation in normal pregnancy may reflect an elevated general increase in enzyme activity due to a higher placental mass. The high systemic 11β-HSD2 activity in PE but not in IUGR however suggests an increased F deactivation in maternal tissue in PE rather than in the placenta since placental insufficiency in the absence of PE does not significantly alter F/E ratio.