Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2025

Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: January 26, 2024
Endothelial nitric oxide deficiency results in abnormal placental metabolism
Hannah George1, Katherine L Steeves1, Grace V Mercer1
1Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
Abstract:
Placental metabolism determines the amount of nutrients available to the fetus and may be altered in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR). To study which metabolites are associated with FGR, we performed 1H high-resolution magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy of placental tissue from endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout (eNOS KO) mice, a model of FGR, and C57BL/6J controls at embryonic day 17.5 (n = 24/genotype). The relative concentration of glucose was increased in the placentas of eNOS KO mice compared to controls (p = 0.006). This study highlights the potential for glucose as a biomarker of abnormal placental metabolism that leads to FGR.
Related Concept Videos
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Development of Blood Vessels
The initial formation of this system is facilitated by the small amount of yolk present in the ovum and yolk sac. Blood vessels originate from...

