Preeclampsia is characterized by an imbalance between two cyclooxygenase metabolites of
arachidonic acid, thromboxane and prostacyclin, that favors thromboxane. Because of the
biologic actions of these two eicosanoids, this imbalance might explain major clinical
symptoms of preeclampsia, such as hypertension, platelet aggregation and reduced
uteroplacental blood flow. In the maternal circulation, this imbalance is primarily manifested
by decreased production of prostacyclin by endothelial cells. Platelet thromboxane synthesis …