Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
Disruption of the Mouse Blood-Brain Barrier by Small Extracellular Vesicles from Hypoxic Human Placentas
Published on: January 26, 2024
Maternal undernutrition reduces P-glycoprotein in guinea pig placenta and developing brain in late gestation
Poh S Soo1, Jennifer Hiscock, Kimberley J Botting
1Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
Insights
Maternal undernutrition in guinea pigs reduced placental P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and fetal brain P-gp protein expression, potentially altering drug transfer to the fetus.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Poor maternal nutrition is a significant factor in fetal growth restriction, leading to increased neonatal complications and long-term health risks.
- P-glycoprotein (P-gp) plays a crucial role in regulating the transport of substances across biological barriers, including the placenta.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of maternal undernutrition on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression in the placenta and the brains of both mother and fetus.
- To understand how maternal nutritional status influences placental drug transfer capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs were subjected to an undernutrition regimen.
- Placental and brain tissues from both mothers and fetuses were analyzed for P-gp protein and MDR1 mRNA expression.
- Capillary density in placental and fetal brain tissues was assessed.
Main Results:
- Maternal undernutrition led to placental restriction and reduced fetal weight.
- A significant decrease in P-gp protein expression was observed in the placenta and fetal brain, but not the maternal brain.
- While mRNA levels were unchanged, protein levels indicate altered P-gp function.
Conclusions:
- Maternal undernutrition significantly downregulates P-gp protein expression in the placenta and fetal brain.
- These changes may affect the transfer of drugs from mother to fetus, influencing fetal exposure during pregnancy.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the clinical implications for drug therapy in undernourished pregnant individuals.
Abstract:
Poor nutrition is a major cause of fetal growth restriction which increases neonatal morbidity and mortality, as well as the risk of adult onset diseases. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of maternal undernutrition on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression in the placenta and the brain of both the mother and the fetus. Maternal undernutrition in guinea pigs caused placental restriction, and thus decreased fetal weight. Pups in the maternal undernutrition (UN) group had fewer capillaries in the placenta and more capillaries in the brain of the fetus. Placental, maternal and fetal brain MDR1 mRNA expression was the same in the Control and UN groups. Maternal undernutrition resulted in a significant decrease in P-gp protein expression in the placenta and fetal brain, but not the maternal brain. These findings indicate that maternal undernutrition may impact on fetal exposure to drugs administered to the mother during pregnancy due to changes in placental transfer.
