Placental Vacuolar ATPase Function Is a Key Link between Multiple Causes of Preeclampsia

Figure 1

Abnormal immune responses and endocrine system in the development of preeclampsia. Preclinical stage 1 occurs in early pregnancy when abnormal immune responses and disturbed endocrine system lead to poor placentation resulting in placental hypoxia, ischemia and oxidative stress. Clinical stage 2 occurs systemically when a defective placenta releases factors into the maternal circulation, which cause the maternal systemic inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction that lead to the clinical signs of preeclampsia.