Trophoblast-induced spiral artery remodelling and uteroplacental haemodynamics in pregnant rats with increased blood pressure induced by heme oxygenase inhibition

• Published in: Placenta (Eastbourne) 2020-01, Vol.89, p.91-98
• Main Authors: Oltra, L., Reverte, V., Garcés, B., Li Volti, G., Moreno, J.M., Salazar, F.J., Llinás, M.T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Arteries - drug effects; Arteries - physiology; Blood Pressure - drug effects; Doppler ultrasonography; Female; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) - antagonists & inhibitors; Hemodynamics - drug effects; Hypertension; Metalloporphyrins - pharmacology; Placenta; Placenta - blood supply; Placental Circulation - drug effects; Pregnancy; Rats; Trophoblast invasion; Trophoblasts - drug effects; Trophoblasts - physiology; Uteroplacental haemodynamics; Uterus - blood supply; Vascular Remodeling - drug effects; Vascular Remodeling - physiology; Vascular remodelling
• ISSN: 0143-4004; 1532-3102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.11.002

The aim of the present study was to determine the contribution of the heme oxygenase (HO) system to the adaptation of the uteroplacental circulation to pregnancy in the rat, and its relationship with the maintenance of blood pressure during late gestation. The HO inhibitor, stannous mesoporphyrin (SnMP), or vehicle were administered intraperitoneally to virgin and midpregnant rats. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured before and after the treatment, in the conscious rats. Uterine and radial arteries blood flow velocities were obtained from pregnant rats at days 14 and 19 of gestation using high frequency ultrasonography. Trophoblast invasion and spiral arteries remodelling were analyzed in the mesometrial triangle of pregnant rats by immunohistochemistry. HO activity inhibition during late gestation induced a significantly increase in the MAP of pregnant rats (114 ± 1 mmHg vs 100 ± 2 mmHg, p