Correlation between plasma neurotransmitters and memory loss in pregnancy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To correlate the levels of plasma neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine with memory in healthy, pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN Fifty healthy, pregnant women were selected in the first trimester and followed in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Nonpregnant women served as controls. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine levels were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography. The plasma neurotransmitter levels were correlated with memory in each trimester of pregnancy. RESULTS Significant decreases (P < .001) in plasma epinephrine, serotonin and dopamine were observed in healthy, pregnant women in each trimester of pregnancy when compared to nonpregnant women. A significant increase in plasma norepinephrine was observed in healthy, pregnant women in each trimester of pregnancy. A significant decrease (P < .001) in functional memory was observed in healthy, pregnant women when compared to nonpregnant women. CONCLUSION Decreases in functional memory and of plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin levels in the second trimester of healthy pregnancy suggests that decreased plasma neurotransmitter levels are responsible for loss of functional memory in healthy, pregnant women.