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Plasma catecholamines during hypoxemia in fetal lamb

W R Cohen, G J Piasecki, B T Jackson

    The American Journal of Physiology
    |November 1, 1982
    PubMed
    Summary

    Fetal lambs exposed to hypoxemia (low oxygen) showed significant increases in epinephrine and norepinephrine. These catecholamine levels strongly correlated with reduced oxygen levels (PO2) across gestation.

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    Area of Science:

    • Fetal Physiology
    • Neuroendocrinology
    • Cardiovascular Regulation

    Background:

    • Peripheral plasma catecholamines play a crucial role in fetal adaptation to stress.
    • Hypoxemia is a significant challenge during fetal development, impacting various physiological systems.
    • Understanding catecholamine responses to hypoxemia is vital for assessing fetal well-being.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate changes in peripheral plasma catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) in fetal lambs under varying degrees of hypoxemia.
    • To determine the relationship between catecholamine levels, oxygen partial pressure (PO2), and gestational age.
    • To identify potential sources of catecholamine release during fetal hypoxemia.

    Main Methods:

    • Radioenzymatic assay was used to measure epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations in fetal lamb plasma.
    • Plasma samples were collected simultaneously from the distal aorta and inferior vena cava of chronically catheterized fetuses.
    • Fetal lambs were exposed to controlled hypoxemic conditions (20%, 10%, or 8% oxygen).

    Main Results:

    • Both epinephrine and norepinephrine levels significantly increased after 5 minutes of hypoxemia, inversely correlating with PO2 (P < 0.001).
    • Plasma norepinephrine concentrations consistently exceeded epinephrine levels (P < 0.01).
    • During hypoxemia, arterial catecholamine levels were higher than venous levels, suggesting adrenal medulla involvement. Fetal bradycardia and increased blood pressure were observed, with responses moderated at very low PO2.

    Conclusions:

    • Fetal hypoxemia triggers a significant release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, with levels directly related to the severity of oxygen deprivation.
    • The adrenal medulla appears to be a primary source of these catecholamines during fetal hypoxemia.
    • These catecholamine responses, including effects on heart rate and blood pressure, are present throughout fetal development, though concentrations may vary with gestational age.

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