The maternal circulation and cardiovascular system undergo dramatic changes in pregnancy which if they do not occur results in poor fetal growth and stillbirth. The overall expansion affects the kidneys particularly whose blood flow increases by 50% and filtration is enhanced, changes that are important markers of good obstetric outcome. What actually mediates these vital changes is unknown. There is now good evidence to suggest that relaxin may be the important molecule. The research aims to assess the role of the ovarian hormone relaxin (RLX) in nonpregnant women and men to quantify the changes it invokes in renal function.

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