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Assessment of Maternal Vascular Remodeling During Pregnancy in the Mouse Uterus
Published on: December 5, 2015
Cigarette exposure induces changes in maternal vascular function in a pregnant mouse model
Robin E Gandley1, Arun Jeyabalan, Ketaki Desai
1Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. rgandley@mwri.magee.edu
Summary
Maternal exposure to cigarette smoke impairs blood vessel function in pregnant mice, potentially causing fetal growth restriction. This study highlights vascular dysfunction as a key mechanism linking smoking to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Vascular physiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Smoking during pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes like fetal growth restriction.
- The precise mechanisms by which smoking impacts fetal development are not fully understood.
- Vascular dysfunction in maternal arteries is a potential contributor to smoking-related growth restriction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of gestational cigarette smoke exposure on maternal uterine, mesenteric, and renal artery function in a mouse model.
- To determine if impaired vascular function contributes to fetal growth restriction.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to sidestream cigarette smoke during gestation.
- Uterine, mesenteric, and renal arteries were isolated and studied using a pressure-arteriograph system.
- Plasma cotinine levels were measured to confirm smoke exposure.
Main Results:
- Fetal weights were significantly reduced in smoke-exposed mice.
- Endothelium-dependent relaxation was impaired in uterine and mesenteric arteries of pregnant, smoke-exposed mice.
- Renal artery relaxation was impaired in non-pregnant, smoke-exposed mice but not in pregnant, smoke-exposed mice.
Conclusions:
- Passive cigarette smoke exposure during pregnancy impairs vascular relaxation in maternal uterine and mesenteric arteries.
- Maternal vascular dysfunction, particularly impaired vasodilation, may be a mechanism for smoking-induced fetal growth restriction.
