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Horn-Oudshoorn EJJ, Broekhuizen M, Harhangi MS, Simons SHP, Eggink AJ, Danser AHJ, Reiss IKM, DeKoninck PLJ. Vascular reactivity is altered in the placentas of fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Placenta 2024; 145:51-59. [PMID: 38064938 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) often develop pulmonary hypertension but frequently fail to respond to vasodilator therapy, for instance because of an altered pulmonary vasoreactivity. Investigating such alterations in vivo is impossible. We hypothesised that these alterations are also present in fetoplacental vessels, since both vasculatures are exposed to the same circulating factors (e.g. endothelin-1) and respond similarly to certain stimuli (e.g. hypoxia). As proof-of-concept, we compared fetoplacental vasoreactivity between healthy and CDH-affected placentas. METHODS Fetoplacental vascular function of healthy and antenatally diagnosed left-sided CDH fetuses was assessed by wire myography. Placental expression of enzymes and receptors involved in the altered vasoreactive pathways was measured using quantitative PCR. RESULTS CDH arteries (n = 6) constricted more strongly to thromboxane A2 agonist U46619 (p < 0.001) and dilated less to bradykinin (p = 0.01) and nitric oxide (NO)-donor sodium nitroprusside (p = 0.04) than healthy arteries (n = 8). Vasodilation to prostacyclin analogue iloprost and adenylate cyclase stimulator forskolin, and vasoconstriction to endothelin-1 were not different between both groups. Angiotensin II did not induce vasoconstriction. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors sildenafil and milrinone did not affect responses to sodium nitroprusside, forskolin, or U46619. The mRNA expression of guanylate cyclase 1 soluble subunit alpha 1 (p = 0.003) and protein kinase cyclic guanine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent 1 (p = 0.02) were reduced in CDH versus healthy placentas. DISCUSSION The identified changes in the thromboxane and NO-cGMP pathways in the fetoplacental vasculature correspond with currently described alterations in the pulmonary vasculature in CDH. Therefore, fetoplacental arteries may provide an opportunity to predict pulmonary therapeutic responses in infants with CDH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J J Horn-Oudshoorn
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michelle Broekhuizen
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiology, Division of Experimental Cardiology, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Madhavi S Harhangi
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sinno H P Simons
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alex J Eggink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A H Jan Danser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Irwin K M Reiss
- Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Neonatology, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Philip L J DeKoninck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Gualdoni GS, Jacobo PV, Barril C, Ventureira MR, Cebral E. Early Abnormal Placentation and Evidence of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor System Dysregulation at the Feto-Maternal Interface After Periconceptional Alcohol Consumption. Front Physiol 2022; 12:815760. [PMID: 35185604 PMCID: PMC8847216 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.815760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Adequate placentation, placental tissue remodeling and vascularization is essential for the success of gestation and optimal fetal growth. Recently, it was suggested that abnormal placenta induced by maternal alcohol consumption may participate in fetal growth restriction and relevant clinical manifestations of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Particularly, periconceptional alcohol consumption up to early gestation can alter placentation and angiogenesis that persists in pregnancy beyond the exposure period. Experimental evidence suggests that abnormal placenta following maternal alcohol intake is associated with insufficient vascularization and defective trophoblast development, growth and function in early gestation. Accumulated data indicate that impaired vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) system, including their downstream effectors, the nitric oxide (NO) and metalloproteinases (MMPs), is a pivotal spatio-temporal altered mechanism underlying the early placental vascular alterations induced by maternal alcohol consumption. In this review we propose that the periconceptional alcohol intake up to early organogenesis (first trimester) alters the VEGF-NO-MMPs system in trophoblastic-decidual tissues, generating imbalances in the trophoblastic proliferation/apoptosis, insufficient trophoblastic development, differentiation and migration, deficient labyrinthine vascularization, and uncompleted remodelation and transformation of decidual spiral arterioles. Consequently, abnormal placenta with insufficiency blood perfusion, vasoconstriction and reduced labyrinthine blood exchange can be generated. Herein, we review emerging knowledge of abnormal placenta linked to pregnancy complications and FASD produced by gestational alcohol ingestion and provide evidence of the early abnormal placental angiogenesis-vascularization and growth associated to decidual-trophoblastic dysregulation of VEGF system after periconceptional alcohol consumption up to mid-gestation, in a mouse model.
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Krause BJ. Novel insights for the role of nitric oxide in placental vascular function during and beyond pregnancy. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7984-7999. [PMID: 34121195 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
More than 30 years have passed since endothelial nitric oxide synthesis was described using the umbilical artery and vein endothelium. That seminal report set the cornerstone for unveiling the molecular aspects of endothelial function. In parallel, the understanding of placental physiology has gained growing interest, due to its crucial role in intrauterine development, with considerable long-term health consequences. This review discusses the evidence for nitric oxide (NO) as a critical player of placental development and function, with a special focus on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) vascular effects. Also, the regulation of eNOS-dependent vascular responses in normal pregnancy and pregnancy-related diseases and their impact on prenatal and postnatal vascular health are discussed. Recent and compelling evidence has reinforced that eNOS regulation results from a complex network of processes, with novel data concerning mechanisms such as mechano-sensing, epigenetic, posttranslational modifications, and the expression of NO- and l-arginine-related pathways. In this regard, most of these mechanisms are expressed in an arterial-venous-specific manner and reflect traits of the fetal systemic circulation. Several studies using umbilical endothelial cells are not aimed to understand placental function but general endothelial function, reinforcing the influence of the placenta on general knowledge in physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo J Krause
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O'Higgins, Rancagua, Chile
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Enhanced Nitrite-Mediated Relaxation of Placental Blood Vessels Exposed to Hypoxia Is Preserved in Pregnancies Complicated by Fetal Growth Restriction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094500. [PMID: 33925868 PMCID: PMC8123398 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is essential in the control of fetoplacental vascular tone, maintaining a high flow-low resistance circulation that favors oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus. Reduced fetoplacental blood flow is associated with pregnancy complications and is one of the major causes of fetal growth restriction (FGR). The reduction of dietary nitrate to nitrite and subsequently NO may provide an alternative source of NO in vivo. We have previously shown that nitrite induces vasorelaxation in placental blood vessels from normal pregnancies, and that this effect is enhanced under conditions of hypoxia. Herein, we aimed to determine whether nitrite could also act as a vasodilator in FGR. Using wire myography, vasorelaxant effects of nitrite were assessed on pre-constricted chorionic plate arteries (CPAs) and veins (CPVs) from normal and FGR pregnancies under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Responses to the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), were assessed in parallel. Nitrate and nitrite concentrations were measured in fetal plasma. Hypoxia significantly enhanced vasorelaxation to nitrite in FGR CPAs (p < 0.001), and in both normal (p < 0.001) and FGR (p < 0.01) CPVs. Vasorelaxation to SNP was also potentiated by hypoxia in both normal (p < 0.0001) and FGR (p < 0.01) CPVs. However, compared to vessels from normal pregnancies, CPVs from FGR pregnancies showed significantly lower reactivity to SNP (p < 0.01). Fetal plasma concentrations of nitrate and nitrite were not different between normal and FGR pregnancies. Together, these data show that nitrite-mediated vasorelaxation is preserved in FGR, suggesting that interventions targeting this pathway have the potential to improve fetoplacental blood flow in FGR pregnancies.
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Stout JN, Rouhani S, Turk EA, Ha CG, Luo J, Rich K, Wald LL, Adalsteinsson E, Barth WH, Grant PE, Roberts DJ. Placental MRI: Development of an MRI compatible ex vivo system for whole placenta dual perfusion. Placenta 2020; 101:4-12. [PMID: 32905974 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Placental dysfunction plays a key role in diseases that affect the fetus in utero and after birth. Aiming to develop a platform for validating in vivo placental MRI and investigations into placental physiology, we designed and built a prototype MRI-compatible perfusion chamber with an integrated MRI receive coil for high SNR ex vivo placental imaging. PRINCIPAL RESULTS After optimizing placenta vascular clearing and perfusion protocols, we performed contrast enhanced MR angiography and MR relaxometry on eight carefully selected placentas while they were perfused via the umbilical arteries (UAs). Additionally, two of these placentas underwent maternal perfusion via the intervillous space (IVS). Despite striving for homogenous perfusion across the whole placenta, imaging results were highly heterogeneous for both UA and IVS perfused placentas. By histology, we observed blood congestion in the villi in regions that showed low UA perfusion during MRI. In two placentas prominent chorionic arteries followed by adjacent veins underwent contrast enhancement in the absence of villous capillary blush. The single placenta from a pregnancy affected by IUGR had the most homogeneous villous capillary perfusion. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS A dual perfusion system for ex vivo placentas compatible with MRI permitted assessment of UA and IVS placental perfusion. We observed spatial UA perfusion heterogeneity and evidence for arteriovenous shunting in placentas from normal pregnancies and deliveries, but relative villous capillary perfusion homogeneity in a single IUGR placenta. Future work will focus on system optimization, followed by physiological manipulation and validation of in vivo placental MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey N Stout
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging & Developmental Sciences Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Shahin Rouhani
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging & Developmental Sciences Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Esra Abaci Turk
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging & Developmental Sciences Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher G Ha
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging & Developmental Sciences Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jie Luo
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging & Developmental Sciences Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen Rich
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lawerence L Wald
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elfar Adalsteinsson
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - William H Barth
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - P Ellen Grant
- Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging & Developmental Sciences Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Drucilla J Roberts
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Sander KN, Ali TY, Warren AY, Hay DP, Broughton Pipkin F, Barrett DA, Khan RN. Pharmacological profile of vascular activity of human stem villous arteries. Placenta 2019; 88:12-19. [PMID: 31574379 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The function of the placental vasculature differs considerably from other systemic vascular beds of the human body. A detailed understanding of the normal placental vascular physiology is the foundation to understand perturbed conditions potentially leading to placental dysfunction. METHODS Behaviour of human stem villous arteries isolated from placentae at term pregnancy was assessed using wire myography. Effects of a selection of known vasoconstrictors and vasodilators of the systemic vasculature were assessed. The morphology of stem villous arteries was examined using IHC and TEM. RESULTS Contractile effects in stem villous arteries were caused by U46619, 5-HT, angiotensin II and endothelin-1 (p ≤ 0.05), whereas noradrenaline and AVP failed to result in a contraction. Dilating effects were seen for histamine, riluzole, nifedipine, papaverine, SNP and SQ29548 (p ≤ 0.05) but not for acetylcholine, bradykinin and substance P. DISCUSSION Stem villous arteries behave differently to vessels of the systemic vasculature and results indicate that the placenta is cut off from the systemic maternal vascular regulation. Particularly, endothelium-dependent processes were attenuated in the placental vasculature, creating a need to determine the role of the endothelium in the placenta in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin N Sander
- Division of Medical Science and Graduate Entry Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, The Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK; Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies Division, Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Tayyba Y Ali
- Division of Medical Science and Graduate Entry Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, The Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Averil Y Warren
- Division of Medical Science and Graduate Entry Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, The Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Daniel P Hay
- Division of Medical Science and Graduate Entry Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, The Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Fiona Broughton Pipkin
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, City Hospital, Maternity Unit, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - David A Barrett
- Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies Division, Centre for Analytical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Raheela N Khan
- Division of Medical Science and Graduate Entry Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, The Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK.
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Villamor E, Moreno L, Mohammed R, Pérez-Vizcaíno F, Cogolludo A. Reactive oxygen species as mediators of oxygen signaling during fetal-to-neonatal circulatory transition. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 142:82-96. [PMID: 30995535 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are frequently seen as pathological agents of oxidative stress. However, ROS are not always deleterious and can also act as cell signaling molecules. Vascular oxygen sensing and signaling during fetal-to-neonatal circulatory transition is a remarkable example of the physiological regulatory actions of ROS. The fetal relative hypoxic environment induces hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) and ductus arteriosus (DA) relaxation favoring the presence of high pulmonary vascular resistance and right-to-left ductal shunt. At birth, the increase in oxygen tension causes relaxation of pulmonary arteries (PAs) and normoxic DA vasoconstriction (NDAV), thus diverting blood flow to the lungs. Although the response to changes in oxygen tension is diametrically opposite, the mechanisms responsible for HPV and NDAV appear to be the result of a similar interaction between triggering and modulating factors that lead to an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+ sensitization of the contractile apparatus. Growing evidence points to an increase in ROS (mitochondria- and/or NADPH-derived superoxide and/or H2O2), leading to inhibition of voltage-gated K+ channels, membrane depolarization, and activation of voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels as critical events in the signaling pathway of both HPV and NDAV. Several groups of investigators have completed this pathway adding other elements such as neutral sphingomyelinase-derived ceramide, the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum (through ryanodine and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors), Rho kinase-mediated Ca2+ sensitization, or transient receptor potential channels. The present review focus on the role of ROS as mediators of the homeostatic oxygen sensing system during fetal and neonatal life not only in the PAs and DA but also in systemic arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Villamor
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Laura Moreno
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Riazzudin Mohammed
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Francisco Pérez-Vizcaíno
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Cogolludo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
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Tropea T, Wareing M, Greenwood SL, Feelisch M, Sibley CP, Cottrell EC. Nitrite mediated vasorelaxation in human chorionic plate vessels is enhanced by hypoxia and dependent on the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway. Nitric Oxide 2018; 80:82-88. [PMID: 30179715 PMCID: PMC6199414 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Adequate perfusion of the placental vasculature is essential to meet the metabolic demands of fetal growth and development. Lacking neural control, local tissue metabolites, circulating and physical factors contribute significantly to blood flow regulation. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key regulator of fetoplacental vascular tone. Nitrite, previously considered an inert end-product of NO oxidation, has been shown to provide an important source of NO. Reduction of nitrite to NO may be particularly relevant in tissue when the oxygen-dependent NO synthase (NOS) activity is compromised, e.g. in hypoxia. The contribution of this pathway in the placenta is currently unknown. We hypothesised that nitrite vasodilates human placental blood vessels, with enhanced efficacy under hypoxia. Placentas were collected from uncomplicated pregnancies and the vasorelaxant effect of nitrite (10-6-5x10-3 M) was assessed using wire myography on isolated pre-constricted chorionic plate arteries (CPAs) and veins (CPVs) under normoxic (pO2 ∼5%) and hypoxic (pO2 ∼1%) conditions. The dependency on the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway and known nitrite reductase (NiR) activities was also investigated. Nitrite caused concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in both arteries and veins, and this effect was enhanced by hypoxia, significantly in CPVs (P < 0.01) and with a trend in CPAs (P = 0.054). Pre-incubation with NO scavengers (cPTIO and oxyhemoglobin) attenuated (P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively), and the sGC inhibitor ODQ completely abolished nitrite-mediated vasorelaxation, confirming the involvement of NO and sGC. Inhibition of potential NiR enzymes xanthine oxidoreductase, mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase and mitochondrial bc1 complex did not attenuate vasorelaxation. This data suggests that nitrite may provide an important reservoir of NO bioactivity within the placenta to enhance blood flow when fetoplacental oxygenation is impaired, as occurring in pregnancy diseases such as pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Tropea
- Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Mark Wareing
- Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Feelisch
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital and Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth C Cottrell
- Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
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Coll TA, Chaufan G, Pérez-Tito LG, Ventureira MR, Ríos de Molina MDC, Cebral E. Cellular and molecular oxidative stress-related effects in uterine myometrial and trophoblast-decidual tissues after perigestational alcohol intake up to early mouse organogenesis. Mol Cell Biochem 2017; 440:89-104. [PMID: 28822072 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-017-3158-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The placenta plays a major role in embryo-fetal defects and intrauterine growth retardation after maternal alcohol consumption. Our aims were to determine the oxidative status and cellular and molecular oxidative stress effects on uterine myometrium and trophoblast-decidual tissue following perigestational alcohol intake at early organogenesis. CF-1 female mice were administered with 10% alcohol in drinking water for 17 days prior to and up to day 10 of gestation. Control females received ethanol-free water. Treated mice had smaller implantation sites compared to controls (p < 0.05), diminished maternal vascular lumen, and irregular/discontinuous endothelium of decidual vessels. The trophoblast giant cell layer was disorganized and presented increased abnormal nuclear frequency. The myometrium of treated females had reduced nitrite content, increased superoxide dismutase activity, and reduced glutathione (GSH) content (p < 0.05). However, the trophoblast-decidual tissue of treated females had increased nitrite content (p < 0.05), increased GSH level (p < 0.001), increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance concentration (p < 0.001), higher 3-nitrotyrosine immunoreaction, and increased apoptotic index (p < 0.05) compared to controls. In summary, perigestational alcohol ingestion at organogenesis induced oxidative stress in the myometrium and trophoblast-decidual tissue, mainly affecting cells and macromolecules of trophoblast and decidual tissues around early organogenesis, in CF-1 mouse, and suggests that oxidative-induced abnormal early placental formation probably leads to risk of prematurity and fetal growth impairment at term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Anahí Coll
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Chaufan
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Biológica, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leticia Gabriela Pérez-Tito
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Ricardo Ventureira
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Del Carmen Ríos de Molina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Biológica, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elisa Cebral
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,IBBEA-UBA/CONICET, Intendente Güiraldes, 2620, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, 4to. Piso, Lab 22. (CP: 1428EGA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Cañas D, Herrera EA, García-Herrera C, Celentano D, Krause BJ. Fetal Growth Restriction Induces Heterogeneous Effects on Vascular Biomechanical and Functional Properties in Guinea Pigs ( Cavia porcellus). Front Physiol 2017; 8:144. [PMID: 28344561 PMCID: PMC5344887 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with a variety of cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood which could involve remodeling processes of the vascular walls that could start in the fetal period. However, there is no consensus whether this remodeling affects in a similar way the whole vascular system. We aimed to determine the effects of FGR on the vasoactive and biomechanical properties of umbilical and systemic vessels in fetal guinea pigs. Methods: FGR was induced by implanting ameroid occluders at mid-gestation in uterine arteries of pregnant guinea pigs, whilst the control group was exposed to simulated surgery. At the term of gestation, systemic arteries (aorta, carotid and femoral) and umbilical vessels were isolated to determine ex vivo contractile and biomechanical responses (stretch-stress until rupture) on a wire myograph, as well as opening angle and residual stresses. Histological characteristics in tissue samples were measured by van Gieson staining. Results: Aorta and femoral arteries from FGR showed an increased in biomechanical markers of stiffness (p < 0.01), contractile capacity (p < 0.05) and relative media thickness (p < 0.01), but a reduced internal diameter (p < 0.001), compared with controls. There were no differences in the biomechanical properties of carotid and umbilical from control and FGR fetuses, but FGR umbilical arteries had a decreased contractile response to KCl (p < 0.05) along with a reduced relative media thickness (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Altogether, these changes in functional, mechanical and morphological properties suggest that FGR is associated with a heterogeneous pro-constrictive vascular remodeling affecting mainly the lower body fetal arteries. These effects would be set during a pathologic pregnancy in order to sustain the fetal blood redistribution in the FGR and may persist up to adulthood increasing the risk of a cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cañas
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Santiago de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Emilio A Herrera
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de ChileSantiago, Chile; International Center for Andean Studies, Universidad de ChilePutre, Chile
| | - Claudio García-Herrera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Santiago de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego Celentano
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y Metalúrgica, Instituto de Ingeniería Biológica y Médica, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Bernardo J Krause
- Division of Pediatrics, Departament of Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago, Chile
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Broegger T, Andersson KE, Aalkjaer C, Forman A, Boedtkjer DB. Sensitivity to the thromboxane A 2 analog U46619 varies with inner diameter in human stem villous arteries. Placenta 2016; 39:111-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Yamaleyeva LM, Pulgar VM, Lindsey SH, Yamane L, Varagic J, McGee C, daSilva M, Lopes Bonfa P, Gurley SB, Brosnihan KB. Uterine artery dysfunction in pregnant ACE2 knockout mice is associated with placental hypoxia and reduced umbilical blood flow velocity. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2015; 309:E84-94. [PMID: 25968580 PMCID: PMC4490333 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00596.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) knockout is associated with reduced fetal weight at late gestation; however, whether uteroplacental vascular and/or hemodynamic disturbances underlie this growth-restricted phenotype is unknown. Uterine artery reactivity and flow velocities, umbilical flow velocities, trophoblast invasion, and placental hypoxia were determined in ACE2 knockout (KO) and C57Bl/6 wild-type (WT) mice at day 14 of gestation. Although systolic blood pressure was higher in pregnant ACE2 KO vs. WT mice (102.3 ± 5.1 vs. 85.1 ± 1.9 mmHg, n = 5-6), the magnitude of difference was similar to that observed in nonpregnant ACE2 KO vs. WT mice. Maternal urinary protein excretion, serum creatinine, and kidney or heart weights were not different in ACE2 KO vs. WT. Fetal weight and pup-to-placental weight ratio were lower in ACE2 KO vs. WT mice. A higher sensitivity to Ang II [pD2 8.64 ± 0.04 vs. 8.5 ± 0.03 (-log EC50)] and greater maximal contraction to phenylephrine (169.0 ± 9.0 vs. 139.0 ± 7.0% KMAX), were associated with lower immunostaining for Ang II receptor 2 and fibrinoid content of the uterine artery in ACE2 KO mice. Uterine artery flow velocities and trophoblast invasion were similar between study groups. In contrast, umbilical artery peak systolic velocities (60.2 ± 4.5 vs. 75.1 ± 4.5 mm/s) and the resistance index measured using VEVO 2100 ultrasound were lower in the ACE2 KO vs. WT mice. Immunostaining for pimonidazole, a marker of hypoxia, and hypoxia-inducible factor-2α were higher in the trophospongium and placental labyrinth of the ACE2 KO vs. WT. In summary, placental hypoxia and uterine artery dysfunction develop before major growth of the fetus occurs and may explain the fetal growth restricted phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliya M Yamaleyeva
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina;
| | - Victor M Pulgar
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Sarah H Lindsey
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana; and
| | - Larissa Yamane
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Jasmina Varagic
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Carolynne McGee
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Mauro daSilva
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Paula Lopes Bonfa
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Susan B Gurley
- Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina
| | - K Bridget Brosnihan
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Higgins LE, Rey de Castro N, Addo N, Wareing M, Greenwood SL, Jones RL, Sibley CP, Johnstone ED, Heazell AEP. Placental Features of Late-Onset Adverse Pregnancy Outcome. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129117. [PMID: 26120838 PMCID: PMC4488264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Currently, no investigations reliably identify placental dysfunction in late pregnancy. To facilitate the development of such investigations we aimed to identify placental features that differ between normal and adverse outcome in late pregnancy in a group of pregnancies with reduced fetal movement. Methods Following third trimester presentation with reduced fetal movement (N = 100), placental structure ex vivo was measured. Placental function was then assessed in terms of (i) chorionic plate artery agonist responses and length-tension characteristics using wire myography and (ii) production and release of placentally derived hormones (by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme linked immunosorbant assay of villous tissue and explant conditioned culture medium). Results Placentas from pregnancies ending in adverse outcome (N = 23) were ~25% smaller in weight, volume, length, width and disc area (all p<0.0001) compared with those from normal outcome pregnancies. Villous and trophoblast areas were unchanged, but villous vascularity was reduced (median (interquartile range): adverse outcome 10 (10–12) vessels/mm2 vs. normal outcome 13 (12–15), p = 0.002). Adverse outcome pregnancy placental arteries were relatively insensitive to nitric oxide donated by sodium nitroprusside compared to normal outcome pregnancy placental arteries (50% Effective Concentration 30 (19–50) nM vs. 12 (6–24), p = 0.02). Adverse outcome pregnancy placental tissue contained less human chorionic gonadotrophin (20 (11–50) vs. 55 (24–102) mIU/mg, p = 0.007) and human placental lactogen (11 (6–14) vs. 27 (9–50) mg/mg, p = 0.006) and released more soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (21 (13–29) vs. 5 (2–15) ng/mg, p = 0.01) compared with normal outcome pregnancy placental tissue. Conclusion These data provide a description of the placental phenotype of adverse outcome in late pregnancy. Antenatal tests that accurately reflect elements of this phenotype may improve its prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy E. Higgins
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Nicolas Rey de Castro
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Naa Addo
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Wareing
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Susan L. Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca L. Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Colin P. Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Edward D. Johnstone
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander E. P. Heazell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
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14
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Wareing M. Oxygen sensitivity, potassium channels, and regulation of placental vascular tone. Microcirculation 2014; 21:58-66. [PMID: 23710683 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The human fetoplacental vasculature is a low-resistance circulation with deoxygenated arterial relative to venous blood. The placenta lacks neuronal innervation suggesting that local physical (e.g., oxygenation; flow rate), paracrine (e.g., endothelial cell nitric oxide), and circulating (e.g., angiotensin II) factors will contribute to blood flow regulation in small fetoplacental vessels. Oxygenation (specifically hypoxia) has received particular attention. At the macro-level, hypoxic challenge increases vascular resistance, but the data's physiological relevance remains questionable. K(+) channels are a diverse family of proteins known to play important roles in the normal physiological functions of endothelial and smooth muscle cells of a variety of vascular beds. K(+) channels are categorized by their predicted transmembrane structure or gating properties. A small number of perfused placental cotyledon and isolated blood vessels studies have assessed K(+) channel activity. Specific activator/inhibitor application suggests functional voltage-gated channels, whereas toxin inhibitor studies have documented KCa channel activity. Pharmacological KATP channel activation significantly dilates preconstricted placental arteries and veins. There is a paucity of cell subtype-specific expression studies of placental K(+) channels. This review focuses on the roles of K(+) channels and oxygenation in controlling reactivity of small fetoplacental blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Wareing
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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15
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Herrera EA, Krause B, Ebensperger G, Reyes RV, Casanello P, Parra-Cordero M, Llanos AJ. The placental pursuit for an adequate oxidant balance between the mother and the fetus. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:149. [PMID: 25009498 PMCID: PMC4068002 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is the exchange organ that regulates metabolic processes between the mother and her developing fetus. The adequate function of this organ is clearly vital for a physiologic gestational process and a healthy baby as final outcome. The umbilico-placental vasculature has the capacity to respond to variations in the materno-fetal milieu. Depending on the intensity and the extensity of the insult, these responses may be immediate-, mediate-, and long-lasting, deriving in potential morphostructural and functional changes later in life. These adjustments usually compensate the initial insults, but occasionally may switch to long-lasting remodeling and dysfunctional processes, arising maladaptation. One of the most challenging conditions in modern perinatology is hypoxia and oxidative stress during development, both disorders occurring in high-altitude and in low-altitude placental insufficiency. Hypoxia and oxidative stress may induce endothelial dysfunction and thus, reduction in the perfusion of the placenta and restriction in the fetal growth and development. This Review will focus on placental responses to hypoxic conditions, usually related with high-altitude and placental insufficiency, deriving in oxidative stress and vascular disorders, altering fetal and maternal health. Although day-to-day clinical practice, basic and clinical research are clearly providing evidence of the severe impact of oxygen deficiency and oxidative stress establishment during pregnancy, further research on umbilical and placental vascular function under these conditions is badly needed to clarify the myriad of questions still unsettled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio A Herrera
- Laboratorio de Función y Reactividad Vascular, Programa de Fisiopatología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile Santiago, Chile ; International Center for Andean Studies, Universidad de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Bernardo Krause
- División de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - German Ebensperger
- Laboratorio de Función y Reactividad Vascular, Programa de Fisiopatología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto V Reyes
- Laboratorio de Función y Reactividad Vascular, Programa de Fisiopatología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Casanello
- División de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago, Chile ; División de Pediatría, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauro Parra-Cordero
- Unidad Materno-Fetal, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Universidad de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Anibal J Llanos
- Laboratorio de Función y Reactividad Vascular, Programa de Fisiopatología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile Santiago, Chile ; International Center for Andean Studies, Universidad de Chile Santiago, Chile
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16
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Mifsud W, Sebire NJ. Placental Pathology in Early-Onset and Late-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction. Fetal Diagn Ther 2014; 36:117-28. [DOI: 10.1159/000359969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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17
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Jiang YZ, Wang K, Li Y, Dai CF, Wang P, Kendziorski C, Chen DB, Zheng J. Enhanced cellular responses and distinct gene profiles in human fetoplacental artery endothelial cells under chronic low oxygen. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:133. [PMID: 24152727 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.110551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetoplacental endothelial cells are exposed to oxygen levels ranging from 2% to 8% in vivo. However, little is known regarding endothelial function within this range of oxygen because most laboratories use ambient air (21% O2) as a standard culture condition (SCN). We asked whether human umbilical artery endothelial cells (HUAECs) that were steadily exposed to the physiological chronic normoxia (PCN, 3% O2) for ∼20-25 days differed in their proliferative and migratory responses to FGF2 and VEGFA as well as in their global gene expression compared with those in the SCN. We observed that PCN enhanced FGF2- and VEGFA-stimulated cell proliferation and migration. In oxygen reversal experiments (i.e., when PCN cells were exposed to SCN for 24 h and vice versa), we found that preexposure to 21% O2 decreased the migratory ability, but not the proliferative ability, of the PCN-HUAECs in response to FGF2 and VEGFA. These PCN-enhanced cellular responses were associated with increased protein levels of HIF1A and NOS3, but not FGFR1, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2. Microarray analysis demonstrated that PCN up-regulated 74 genes and down-regulated 86, 14 of which were directly regulated by hypoxia-inducible factors as evaluated using in silico analysis. Gene function analysis further indicated that the PCN-regulated genes were highly related to cell proliferation and migration, consistent with the results from our functional assays. Given that PCN significantly alters cellular responses to FGF2 and VEGFA as well as transcription in HUAECs, it is likely that we may need to reexamine the current cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling fetoplacental endothelial functions, which were largely derived from endothelial models established under ambient O2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
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18
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Cindrova-Davies T, Herrera EA, Niu Y, Kingdom J, Giussani DA, Burton GJ. Reduced cystathionine γ-lyase and increased miR-21 expression are associated with increased vascular resistance in growth-restricted pregnancies: hydrogen sulfide as a placental vasodilator. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 182:1448-58. [PMID: 23410520 PMCID: PMC3608014 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Increased vascular impedance in the fetoplacental circulation is associated with fetal hypoxia and growth restriction. We sought to investigate the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in regulating vasomotor tone in the fetoplacental vasculature. H2S is produced endogenously by catalytic activity of cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). Immunohistochemical analysis localized CSE to smooth muscle cells encircling arteries in stem villi. Immunoreactivity was reduced in placentas from pregnancies with severe early-onset growth-restriction and preeclampsia displaying abnormal umbilical artery Doppler waveforms compared with preeclamptic placentas with normal waveforms and controls. These findings were confirmed at the protein and mRNA levels. MicroRNA-21, which negatively regulates CSE expression, was increased in placentas with abnormal Doppler waveforms. Exposure of villus explants to hypoxia-reoxygenation significantly reduced CSE protein and mRNA and increased microRNA-21 expression. No changes were observed in cystathionine β-synthase expression, immunolocalized principally to the trophoblast, in pathologic placentas or in vitro. Finally, perfusion of normal placentas with an H2S donor, after preconstriction with a thromboxane mimetic, resulted in dose-dependent vasorelaxation. Glibenclamide and NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester partially blocked the effect, indicating that H2S acts through ATP-sensitive K+ channels and nitric oxide synthesis. These results demonstrate that H2S is a powerful vasodilator of the placental vasculature and that expression of CSE is reduced in placentas associated with increased vascular resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Cindrova-Davies
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
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19
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Nugent JL, Wareing M, Palin V, Sibley CP, Baker PN, Ray DW, Farrow SN, Jones RL. Chronic glucocorticoid exposure potentiates placental chorionic plate artery constriction: implications for aberrant fetoplacental vascular resistance in fetal growth restriction. Endocrinology 2013; 154:876-87. [PMID: 23295737 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a serious pregnancy complication, resulting in significant perinatal morbidity and mortality. Increased vascular resistance in the fetoplacental circulation is a hallmark of FGR and is associated with enhanced vasoconstriction of the resistance arteries in the placenta, the chorionic plate arteries (CPAs). Although the cause is unknown, FGR is associated with excess exposure to glucocorticoids (GCs), key mediators of vascular resistance in the systemic circulation. We hypothesized that GCs alter CPA reactivity, thereby contributing to the altered blood flow dynamics seen in FGR. We aimed to examine the acute and chronic effects of GCs on CPA reactivity and the operational mechanisms. Glucocorticoid receptors were highly expressed by CPA. 11β-Hydroxysteroid isoenzyme type 2 was detected within the endothelium, whereas 11β-hydroxysteroid isoenzyme type 1 was absent. Acute GC treatment significantly attenuated U46619-induced constriction. This effect was reversed by cotreatment with mifepristone or an endothelial NOS inhibitor. In contrast, chronic GC treatment potentiated U46619 constriction in a dose-dependent manner, which was partially abolished by mifepristone cotreatment. Similar effects were observed using a novel nonsteroidal glucocorticoid receptor-specific agonist. Chronic treatment with GCs altered the expression of several vasoactive factors, including thromboxane and bradykinin receptors, prokineticin-1, cyclooxygenase-2, and endothelial NOS. In summary, acute and chronic GC treatment exerts contrasting effects on CPA vasoreactivity. These opposing effects are consistent with temporal actions in other vascular beds and reflect activation of distinct nongenomic and genomic pathways. Chronic exposure to elevated GCs may contribute to the raised vascular resistance observed in the fetoplacental circulation in FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Nugent
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Research Fifth Floor, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
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20
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Hayward CE, Higgins L, Cowley EJ, Greenwood SL, Mills TA, Sibley CP, Wareing M. Chorionic plate arterial function is altered in maternal obesity. Placenta 2013; 34:281-7. [PMID: 23360794 PMCID: PMC3605595 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 12/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To characterise Chorionic Plate Artery (CPA) function in maternal obesity, and investigate whether leptin exposure reproduces the obese CPA phenotype in normal-BMI women. Study design CPA responses to the thromboxane-A2 mimetic U46619 (pre/post leptin incubation), to the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and the occurrence of tone oscillations (pre/post leptin incubation) were assessed in 46 term placentas from women of normal (18.5–24.9) or obese (>30) Body Mass Index (BMI). Outcome measures Area Under the dose response Curve (AUC), maximum response (Vmax), sensitivity (EC50) to U46619 (pre/post leptin) and SNP; average vessel tone, oscillation amplitude and frequency (pre/post leptin). Results U46619 vasoconstriction was similar between BMI categories (p > 0.05), however vasodilatation to SNP was reduced in obesity (AUC p = 0.02, Vmaxp = 0.04) compared to normal-BMI women. Leptin incubation altered responses to U46619 in both normal-BMI (EC50 at 100 ng/ml leptin; p < 0.05) and obese women (AUC at 50 ng/ml; p < 0.05) but vasomotion was unaffected (p > 0.05). Conclusions Maternal obesity is associated with altered placental vascular function which may adversely affect placental oxygen and nutrient transport, placing the fetus at risk. Leptin incubation altered CPA vascular function but did not reproduce the obese phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Hayward
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom.
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21
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Fyfe GK, Panicker S, Jones RL, Wareing M. Expression of an electrically silent voltage-gated potassium channel in the human placenta. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2013; 32:624-9. [PMID: 22943705 DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2012.709288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Human placental expression of K(V)9.3, a voltage-gated K channel linked to tissue oxygenation responses, has been suggested at the messenger RNA level but tissue localisation has not been described. We aimed to: (1) produce an antibody to human K(V)9.3 and (2) assess channel expression and distribution in human placental tissue. We determined human placental protein expression and localisation using an antibody to K(V)9.3. Antibody specificity was confirmed by Western blotting. Staining was observed in syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane, endothelial cells (in intermediate, stem villi and chorionic plate blood vessels) and vascular smooth muscle cells (large diameter vessels only) by immunohistochemistry. Expression was unchanged in tissue from women with small-for-gestational age babies. It was concluded that K(V)9.3 is localised to human placental vascular tissues and syncytiotrophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- G K Fyfe
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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22
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Krause BJ, Prieto CP, Muñoz-Urrutia E, San Martín S, Sobrevia L, Casanello P. Role of arginase-2 and eNOS in the differential vascular reactivity and hypoxia-induced endothelial response in umbilical arteries and veins. Placenta 2012; 33:360-6. [PMID: 22391327 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The main vasodilator in the placenta is nitric oxide (NO), which is synthesized by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). Arginase-2 competes with eNOS for l-arginine, and its activity has been related with vascular dysfunction. Recently, we showed that hypoxia induces arginase-2, and decreases eNOS activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). However there is evidence that vascular responses to hypoxia are not similar throughout the placental vascular tree. We studied whether arginase-2 plays a role controlling vascular tone in human umbilical vessels, and the changes in the expression of arginase-2 and eNOS proteins by hypoxia in endothelial cells from umbilical arteries (HUAEC) and veins (HUVEC). In isolated umbilical vessels the presence of eNOS and arginase-2 was determined in the endothelium, and the NO-dependent vasoactive responses in the presence and absence of S-(2-boronoethyl)-L-cysteine (BEC, arginase inhibitor) were studied. Additionally, HUAEC and HUVEC were exposed (0-24 h) to hypoxia (2% O2) or normoxia (5% O2), and protein levels of eNOS (total and phosphorylated at serine-1177) and arginase-2 were determined. In umbilical arteries and veins arginase-2 and eNOS were detected mainly at the endothelium. BEC induced a higher concentration-dependent relaxation in umbilical arteries than veins, and these responses were NOS-dependent. In HUAEC exposed to hypoxia there were no changes in eNOS and arginase-2 levels, however there was a significant increase of p-eNOS. In contrast, HUVEC showed an increase in arginase-2 and a reduction of p-eNOS in response to hypoxia. These results show that arginases have a vascular role in placental vessels counteracting the NOS-dependent relaxation, which is differentially regulated in placental artery and vein endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Krause
- Perinatology Research Laboratory and Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Marcoleta 391, Santiago, Chile
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Krause B, Hanson M, Casanello P. Role of nitric oxide in placental vascular development and function. Placenta 2011; 32:797-805. [PMID: 21798594 PMCID: PMC3218217 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2011] [Revised: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 06/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most pleiotropic signaling molecules at systemic and cellular levels, participating in vascular tone regulation, cellular respiration, proliferation, apoptosis and gene expression. Indeed NO actively participates in trophoblast invasion, placental development and represents the main vasodilator in this tissue. Despite the large number of studies addressing the role of NO in the placenta, its participation in placental vascular development and the effect of altered levels of NO on placental function remains to be clarified. This review draws a time-line of the participation of NO throughout placental vascular development, from the differentiation of vascular precursors to the consolidation of vascular function are considered. The influence of NO on cell types involved in the origin of the placental vasculature and the expression and function of the nitric oxide synthases (NOS) throughout pregnancy are described. The developmental processes involved in the placental vascular bed are considered, such as the participation of NO in placental vasculogenesis and angiogenesis through VEGF and Angiopoietin signaling molecules. The role of NO in vascular function once the placental vascular tree has developed, in normal pregnancy as well as in pregnancy-related diseases, is then discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B.J. Krause
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Marcoleta 391, Santiago, Chile
| | - M.A. Hanson
- Institute of Developmental Sciences, Academic Unit of Human Development & Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - P. Casanello
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Marcoleta 391, Santiago, Chile
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Kiernan M, Barrie A, Szkolar J, Mills T, Wareing M. Functional Evidence for Oxygen-Sensitive Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels in Human Placental Vasculature. Placenta 2010; 31:553-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2010.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Revised: 03/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Mills TA, Wareing M, Shennan AH, Poston L, Baker PN, Greenwood SL. Acute and chronic modulation of placental chorionic plate artery reactivity by reactive oxygen species. Free Radic Biol Med 2009; 47:159-66. [PMID: 19389471 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2009.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Revised: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 04/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Control of vascular resistance and blood flow in the fetoplacental circulation is incompletely understood. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), physiological and pathophysiological regulators of vascular tone, are elevated in preeclampsia (PE), a disease of pregnancy characterized by increased fetoplacental vascular resistance. We tested the hypothesis that ROS modulate vascular reactivity in placental chorionic plate arteries. Wire myography was used to examine (1) the effects of acute exposure to ROS on arterial function in normal pregnancy and (2) the effects of maternal antioxidant supplementation on arterial reactivity in women at high risk for PE participating in the Vitamins in Pre-eclampsia (VIP) trial. ROS generated by xanthine plus xanthine oxidase enhanced basal tension, vasoconstriction in response to the thromboxane mimetic U46619, and relaxation in response to sodium nitroprusside. Hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite increased basal tone and relaxed preconstricted arteries (U44619), respectively. In women at risk for PE, chorionic plate artery constriction in response to U46619 was greater in the women receiving placebo compared to the women supplemented with the antioxidant vitamins C and E. ROS may regulate fetoplacental vascular resistance and blood flow in the short term, and chronic exposure to raised ROS could contribute to elevated fetoplacental vascular resistance in PE and fetal growth restriction (FGR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Mills
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, School of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 0JH, UK.
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Corcoran J, Lacey H, Baker PN, Wareing M. Altered Potassium Channel Expression in the Human Placental Vasculature of Pregnancies Complicated by Fetal Growth Restriction. Hypertens Pregnancy 2009; 27:75-86. [DOI: 10.1080/10641950701826158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Mills TA, Baker PN, Wareing M. The effect of mode of delivery on placental chorionic plate vascular reactivity. Hypertens Pregnancy 2007; 26:201-10. [PMID: 17469010 DOI: 10.1080/10601330701274824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether delivery mode influences placental chorionic plate arterial and venous vascular reactivity. METHODS Normal term placentas were obtained after vaginal delivery or cesarean section. Chorionic plate arterial and venous function was assessed by wire myography. RESULTS Sodium nitroprusside-induced arterial relaxation increased post cesarean section at 20% oxygen. Decreased U46619-induced venous contraction was observed in vaginal deliveries at 7% oxygen. Sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation increased in vaginal delivery at 20% oxygen. CONCLUSION Delivery mode does not alter chorionic plate arterial vascular reactivity under physiological conditions, however venous reactivity was modified, a factor for consideration when interpreting functional experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Mills
- Division of Human Development, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Wareing M, Greenwood SL, Fyfe GK, Baker PN. Reactivity of Human Placental Chorionic Plate Vessels from Pregnancies Complicated by Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)1. Biol Reprod 2006; 75:518-23. [PMID: 16707770 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.051607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
A successful pregnancy is dependent on liberal placental perfusion via the maternal and fetal circulations. Doppler waveform analyses of umbilical arteries suggest increased resistance to flow in the fetoplacental circulation of pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Neither the site nor the mediators responsible for this altered vascular reactivity are known, to date. In placentas in normal pregnancy, reduced oxygenation promotes contraction of the in vitro-perfused placental cotyledon and modulates agonist-induced contraction of chorionic plate arteries and veins. Placental oxygenation has also been suggested to be reduced in IUGR. We tested the hypothesis that oxygen tension could directly modify placental chorionic plate vessel vasoreactivity in IUGR. Small arteries and veins from the chorionic plate were dissected from biopsies from placentas of pregnancies complicated by IUGR and were studied using parallel wire myography. Vasoconstriction at 20%, 7%, and 2% oxygen was assessed utilizing the thromboxane mimetic U46619. Experiments were also performed in the presence of 4-aminopyridine (4AP), a blocker of voltage-gated potassium channels. Increased oxygenation reduced venous vasoconstriction but did not modify arterial vasoconstriction. 4AP increased basal tone in arteries and veins. We suggest that venoconstriction in response to hypoxia may provide a mechanism for increased fetoplacental vascular resistance associated with IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Wareing
- Division of Human Development, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Center, The University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 0JH, United Kingdom.
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