Eplerenone lowers maternal blood pressure in a model of leptin-induced preeclampsia, but decreases fetal growth when administered mid-, but not late-, gestation

American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Elisabeth Mellott, Desmond Moronge, Gibson Cooper, Kristin Backer, Gabrielle Connor, Mona Elgazzaz, Safia Ogbi, Jessica Faulkner
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00522.2025
Cited by: 2
References: 43

Abstract

There are limited advances in the treatment for preeclampsia. Leptin induces preeclampsia dependent on mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation; however, there is little preclinical data on the use of MR antagonists in hypertensive pregnancy. When administered at midgestation in hypertensive mouse pregnancy, eplerenone lowers blood pressure, but increases vasoconstriction in mesenteric arteries and reduces fetal growth. When administered later in pregnancy, eplerenone no longer restricts fetal growth or increases vasoconstriction.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pregnancy and preeclampsia studies Regulation of Appetite and Obesity Hormonal Regulation and Hypertension

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
2
Pages
H581–H593
Publication date
14 January 2026
Language
EN