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Uterine vascular function in a transgenic preeclampsia rat model

Item Type:Article
Title:Uterine vascular function in a transgenic preeclampsia rat model
Creators Name:Verlohren, S. and Niehoff, M. and Hering, L. and Geusens, N. and Herse, F. and Tintu, A.N. and Plagemann, A. and le Noble, F. and Pijnenborg, R. and Mueller, D.N. and Luft, F.C. and Dudenhausen, J.W. and Gollasch, M. and Dechend, R.
Abstract:We investigated intrauterine growth restriction, endothelial function, and uterine artery blood flow characteristics in a transgenic preeclampsia rat model with an activated renin-angiotensin system. We compared preeclamptic Sprague-Dawley (SD-PE) rats with normal pregnant Sprague-Dawley and nonpregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. We used transabdominal ultrasound and found that SD-PE rat embryos developed intrauterine growth restriction. Isolated uterine arteries from SD-PE rats incubated with phenylephrine exhibited an increased contractile response, whereas a single high dose of acetylcholine resulted in an impaired vasorelaxation compared with controls. Incremental acetylcholine doses increased relaxation of SD-PE vessels at low acetylcholine doses but caused a paradoxical contraction at higher acetylcholine doses. Indomethacin and a thromboxane-receptor antagonist (SQ 29,548) blocked this effect, suggesting maternal prostanoid-dependent endothelial dysfunction. SD-PE rats had a decreased prostacyclin (6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha):thromboxane ratio in the serum compared with normal pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats or nonpregnant Sprague-Dawley. Surprisingly, the Doppler resistance index decreased during pregnancy in SD-PE compared with normal pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats, suggesting unimpaired uteroplacental flow in the uterine artery. Umbilical flow was unchanged with absent end-diastolic flow in all of the groups. Renin-angiotensin system activation-induced preeclampsia is associated with altered placentation, modified resistance index, and endothelial dysfunction. A disturbed prostacyclin:thromboxane ratio could be an important mediator.
Keywords:Preeclampsia, Uterine artery, Intrauterine growth restriction, Endothelial dysfunction, Doppler ultrasound, Animals, Rats
Source:Hypertension
ISSN:0194-911X
Publisher:American Heart Association
Volume:51
Number:2
Page Range:547-553
Date:February 2008
Official Publication:https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.107.103176
PubMed:View item in PubMed

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