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Morgan HL, Butler E, Ritchie S, Herse F, Dechend R, Beattie E, McBride MW, Graham D. Modeling Superimposed Preeclampsia Using Ang II (Angiotensin II) Infusion in Pregnant Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Hypertension 2018; 72:208-218. [PMID: 29844145 PMCID: PMC6012051 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.118.10935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are the second leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide. Superimposed preeclampsia is an increasingly common problem and often associated with impaired placental perfusion. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and developing treatment options are crucial. The pregnant stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat has impaired uteroplacental blood flow and abnormal uterine artery remodeling. We used Ang II (angiotensin II) infusion in pregnant stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats to mimic the increased cardiovascular stress associated with superimposed preeclampsia and examine the impact on the maternal cardiovascular system and fetal development. Continuous infusion of Ang II at 500 or 1000 ng/kg per minute was administered from gestational day 10.5 until term. Radiotelemetry and echocardiography were used to monitor hemodynamic and cardiovascular changes, and urine was collected prepregnancy and throughout gestation. Uterine artery myography assessed uteroplacental vascular function and structure. Fetal measurements were made at gestational day 18.5, and placentas were collected for histological and gene expression analyses. The 1000 ng/kg per minute Ang II treatment significantly increased blood pressure (P<0.01), reduced cardiac output (P<0.05), and reduced diameter and increased stiffness of the uterine arteries (P<0.01) during pregnancy. The albumin:creatinine ratio was increased in both Ang II treatment groups (P<0.05; P<0.0001). The 1000 ng/kg per minute-treated fetuses were significantly smaller than vehicle treatment (P<0.001). Placental expression of Ang II receptors was increased in the junctional zone in 1000 ng/kg per minute Ang II-treated groups (P<0.05), with this zone showing depletion of glycogen content and structural abnormalities. Ang II infusion in pregnant stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats mirrors hemodynamic, cardiac, and urinary profiles observed in preeclamptic women, with evidence of impaired fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Morgan
- From the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (H.L.M., E. Butler, S.R., E. Beattie, M.W.M., D.G.)
| | - Elaine Butler
- From the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (H.L.M., E. Butler, S.R., E. Beattie, M.W.M., D.G.)
| | - Shona Ritchie
- From the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (H.L.M., E. Butler, S.R., E. Beattie, M.W.M., D.G.)
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Joint Cooperation Between the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany (F.H., R.D.).,HELIOS Clinic Berlin-Buch, Germany (F.H., R.D.)
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Joint Cooperation Between the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany (F.H., R.D.).,HELIOS Clinic Berlin-Buch, Germany (F.H., R.D.)
| | - Elisabeth Beattie
- From the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (H.L.M., E. Butler, S.R., E. Beattie, M.W.M., D.G.)
| | - Martin W McBride
- From the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (H.L.M., E. Butler, S.R., E. Beattie, M.W.M., D.G.)
| | - Delyth Graham
- From the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (H.L.M., E. Butler, S.R., E. Beattie, M.W.M., D.G.)
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