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Dap M, Albert T, Ramdhani I, Couturier-Tarrade A, Morel O, Chavatte-Palmer P, Beaumont M, Bertholdt C. Is the rabbit a natural model of fetal growth restriction? Morphological and functional characterization study using diffusion-weighted MRI and stereology. Placenta 2024; 154:74-79. [PMID: 38909564 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.06.014] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rabbits are routinely used as a natural model of fetal growth restriction (FGR); however, no studies have confirmed that rabbits have FGR. This study aimed to characterize the fetoplacental unit (FPU) in healthy pregnant rabbits using diffusion-weighted MRI and stereology. A secondary objective of the study was to describe the associations among findings from diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI), fetal weight measurement and histological analysis of the placenta. METHODS Pregnant rabbits underwent DW-MRI under general anesthesia on embryonic day 28 of pregnancy. MR imaging was performed at 3.0 T. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated for the fetal brain, liver, and placenta. The placenta was analyzed by stereology (volume density of trophoblasts, the maternal blood space and fetal vessels). Each fetus and placenta were weighed. Two groups of fetuses were defined according to the position in the uterine horn (Cervix group versus Ovary group). RESULTS We analyzed 20 FPUs from 5 pregnant rabbits. Fetuses and placentas were significantly lighter in the Cervix group than in the Ovary group (34.7 ± 3.7 g vs. 40.2 ± 5.4 g; p = 0.02). Volume density analysis revealed that the percentage of fetal vessels, the maternal blood space and trophoblasts was not significantly affected by the position of the fetus in the uterine horn. There was no difference in ADC values according to the position of the fetus in the uterine horn, and there was no correlation between ADC values and fetal weight. DISCUSSION The findings of a multimodal evaluation of the placenta in a rabbit model of FGR suggested is not a natural model of fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Dap
- Université de Lorraine, CHRU-NANCY, Pôle de la Femme, F-54000, Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, Inserm, IADI, F-54000, Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, Pôle Laboratoire, F-54000, Nancy, France.
| | - Théo Albert
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, IADI, F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Ikrame Ramdhani
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, IADI, F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Anne Couturier-Tarrade
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Olivier Morel
- Université de Lorraine, CHRU-NANCY, Pôle de la Femme, F-54000, Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, Inserm, IADI, F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Marine Beaumont
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, IADI, F-54000, Nancy, France; CHRU-NANCY, Inserm, Université de Lorraine, CIC, Innovation Technologique, F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Charline Bertholdt
- Université de Lorraine, CHRU-NANCY, Pôle de la Femme, F-54000, Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, Inserm, IADI, F-54000, Nancy, France
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Bertholdt C, Dap M, Pillot R, Chavatte-Palmer P, Morel O, Beaumont M. Assessment of placental perfusion using contrast-enhanced ultrasound: A longitudinal study in pregnant rabbit. Theriogenology 2022; 187:135-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Gyselaers W, Lees C. Maternal Low Volume Circulation Relates to Normotensive and Preeclamptic Fetal Growth Restriction. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:902634. [PMID: 35755049 PMCID: PMC9218216 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.902634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the association between maternal low volume circulation and poor fetal growth. Though much work has been devoted to the study of cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance, a low intravascular volume may explain why high vascular resistance causes hypertension in women with preeclampsia (PE) that is associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and, at the same time, presents with normotension in FGR itself. Normotensive women with small for gestational age babies show normal gestational blood volume expansion superimposed upon a constitutionally low intravascular volume. Early onset preeclampsia (EPE; occurring before 32 weeks) is commonly associated with FGR, and poor plasma volume expandability may already be present before conception, thus preceding gestational volume expansion. Experimentally induced low plasma volume in rodents predisposes to poor fetal growth and interventions that enhance plasma volume expansion in FGR have shown beneficial effects on intrauterine fetal condition, prolongation of gestation and birth weight. This review makes the case for elevating the maternal intravascular volume with physical exercise with or without Nitric Oxide Donors in FGR and EPE, and evaluating its role as a potential target for prevention and/or management of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Gyselaers
- Department of Obstetrics, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Department of Physiology, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Christoph Lees
- Centre for Fetal Care, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Centre for Fetal Care, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Bertholdt C, Dap M, Beaumont M, Duan J, Morel O. New insights into human functional ultrasound imaging. Placenta 2021; 117:5-12. [PMID: 34768169 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound imaging is a vital tool for exploring in vivo the placental function which is essential to understand pathological phenomena such as preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction. As technology advances including ready availability of three-dimensional (3D) probes and novel software, new markers of placental function become possible. The objective of this review was to provide an overview of the new ultrasound markers of placental function with a focus on the potential clinical application of three-dimensional power Doppler (3DPD). A broad-free text literature search was undertaken based on human placental studies and sixty full-text studies were included in this review. Three-dimensional power Doppler is a promising technique to predict preeclampsia in the first trimester. However, the influence of external factors such as body mass index, parameter standardisation and machine settings still need to be addressed. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is currently reserved for research, because the required injected contrast mediums are not currently approved for use in pregnancy, although the safety data is reassuring.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bertholdt
- Université de Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, Pôle de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, F-54000 Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, Inserm, IADI, F-54000 Nancy, France.
| | - M Dap
- Université de Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, Pôle de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - M Beaumont
- CHRU-Nancy, Inserm, Université de Lorraine, CIC, Innovation Technologique, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - J Duan
- Hubei Clinical Research Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Hubei, 430071, China; Gynecology and Obstetrical Service, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - O Morel
- Université de Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, Pôle de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, F-54000 Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, Inserm, IADI, F-54000 Nancy, France
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Jacquier M, Arthuis C, Grévent D, Bussières L, Henry C, Millischer-Bellaiche AE, Mahallati H, Ville Y, Siauve N, Salomon LJ. Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: A review of its application in the assessment of placental function. Placenta 2021; 114:90-99. [PMID: 34507031 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
It is important to develop a better understanding of placental insufficiency given its role in common maternofetal complications such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Functional magnetic resonance imaging offers unprecedented techniques for exploring the placenta under both normal and pathological physiological conditions. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) is an established and very robust method to investigate the microcirculatory parameters of an organ and more specifically its perfusion. It is currently a gold standard in the physiological and circulatory evaluation of an organ. Its application to the human placenta could enable to access many microcirculatory parameters relevant to the placental function such as organ blood flow, fractional blood volume, and permeability surface area, by the acquisition of serial images, before, during, and after administration of an intravenous contrast agent. Widely used in animal models with gadolinium-based contrast agents, its application to the human placenta could be possible if the safety of contrast agents in pregnancy is established or they are confirmed to not cross the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Jacquier
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France; EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France
| | - Chloé Arthuis
- EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France; Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, CHU Nantes, 38 Boulevard Jean Monnet, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - David Grévent
- EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France; Radiology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Bussières
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France; EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France
| | - Charline Henry
- EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France
| | - Anne-Elodie Millischer-Bellaiche
- EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France; Radiology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Houman Mahallati
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Yves Ville
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France; EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Siauve
- Radiology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Louis Mourier, 178 Rue des Renouillers, 92700, Colombes, France; INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Paris, France
| | - Laurent J Salomon
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France; EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France.
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Siragher E, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Placental hypoxia: What have we learnt from small animal models? Placenta 2021; 113:29-47. [PMID: 34074553 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine hypoxia is a feature of pregnancy complications, both at high altitude and sea level. To understand the placental response to reduced oxygen availability, small animal models of maternal inhalation hypoxia (MIH) or reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) may be utilised. The aim of this review was to compare the findings of those studies to identify the role of oxygen availability in adapting placental structural and functional phenotypes in relation to fetal outcome. It also sought to explore the evidence for the involvement of particular genes and protein signalling pathways in the placenta in mediating hypoxia driven alterations. The data available demonstrate that both MIH and RUPP can induce placental hypoxia, which affects placental structure and vascularity, as well as glucose, amino acid, calcium and possibly lipid transport capacity. In addition, changes have been observed in HIF, VEGF, insulin/IGF2, AMPK, mTOR, PI3K and PPARγ signalling, which may be key in linking together observed phenotypes under conditions of placental hypoxia. Many different manipulations have been examined, with varied outcomes depending on the intensity, timing and duration of the insult. Some manipulations have detrimental effects on placental phenotype, viability and fetal growth, whereas in others, the placenta appears to adapt to uphold fetal growth despite the challenge of low oxygen. Together these data suggest a complex response of the placenta to reduced oxygen availability, which links to changes in fetal outcomes. However, further work is required to explore the role of fetal sex, altered maternal physiology and placental molecular mechanisms to fully understand placental responses to hypoxia and their relevance for pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Siragher
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
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Hamdy N, Eide S, Sun HS, Feng ZP. Animal models for neonatal brain injury induced by hypoxic ischemic conditions in rodents. Exp Neurol 2020; 334:113457. [PMID: 32889009 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia and resulting encephalopathies are of significant concern. Intrapartum asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal death globally. Among surviving infants, there remains a high incidence of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy due to neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, manifesting as mild conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and debilitating disorders such as cerebral palsy. Various animal models of neonatal hypoxic brain injury have been implemented to explore cellular and molecular mechanisms, assess the potential of novel therapeutic strategies, and characterize the functional and behavioural correlates of injury. Each of the animal models has individual advantages and limitations. The present review looks at several widely-used and alternative rodent models of neonatal hypoxia and hypoxia-ischemia; it highlights their strengths and limitations, and their potential for continued and improved use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Hamdy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sarah Eide
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Hong-Shuo Sun
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Zhong-Ping Feng
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
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