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Swimming Exercise Protocol and Care Methods for Pregnant Rats

Swimming Exercise Protocol and Care Methods for Pregnant Rats

Published on: April 5, 2024

ACE2 expression and activity are enhanced during pregnancy.

Anat Levy¹, Yoram Yagil, Michael Bursztyn

¹Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Barzilai Medical Center Campus, Ashkelon 78306, Israel.

American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology

|October 24, 2008

Summary

During pregnancy, placentas and the uterus significantly increase Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression and activity, contributing to a twofold rise in total ACE2 activity, crucial for hemodynamic regulation.

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The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo

The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo

Published on: August 2, 2017

Area of Science:

Physiology
Reproductive Biology
Hypertension Research

Background:

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays a key role in cardiovascular regulation.
Pregnancy is associated with significant hemodynamic changes, including a systemic vasodilatory state.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the expression and activity of ACE2 in the uterus and placentas during pregnancy in normotensive and hypertensive rats.
To determine the relative contribution of reproductive organs to overall ACE2 levels during gestation.

Main Methods:

Utilized the Sabra rat model of salt-sensitive hypertension.
Measured ACE2 mRNA and activity in the uterus, placentas, and kidneys of pregnant and non-pregnant rats.
Adjusted for organ mass and number to estimate total organ contribution.

Main Results:

ACE2 mRNA levels were highest in the placenta, followed by kidneys and uterus.
ACE2 activity was highest in the kidney, followed by the placenta and uterus.
Placentas and uterus were major contributors to ACE2, increasing total activity by an estimated twofold during pregnancy, independent of blood pressure or salt-loading in the placenta and uterus expression.

Conclusions:

The placenta and uterus are significant sources of ACE2 during pregnancy, augmenting renal production.
Increased ACE2 expression and activity in the uteroplacental unit may be vital for modulating systemic and local hemodynamics during gestation.