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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Murine Fetal Echocardiography
Published on: February 15, 2013
Effects of terbutaline sulfate on fetal cardiac function
R Petersen1, L S Carter, N C Chescheir
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7570.
Abstract:
An isolated heart preparation was used to study the effects of terbutaline sulfate (Brethine) on fetal cardiac function. Pregnant guinea pigs received daily subcutaneous injections of terbutaline for 10 day, whereas a control group received placebo injections. Fetal guinea pig hearts were evaluated for cariodynamic and pathologic differences. Fetuses exposed to terbutaline demonstrated a higher mean heart rate (p less than 0.01), a higher mean heart weight (p less than 0.05), a higher mean heart weight/body weight ratio (p less than 0.01), and a trend toward higher left ventricular systolic pressure levels (p less than 0.1). These hemodynamic responses in fetuses exposed to terbutaline may result in increased functional demands that may predispose myocardial tissue to damage.
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