Uterine and ovarian artery blood flow in the rhesus monkey near term

Uterine and ovarian artery blood flow (UABF and OABF) were measured in six pregnant monkeys near term by means of the electromagnetic flowmeter. The average UABF was 21.4 ml/min and OABF was 1.9 ml/min. Complete aortic occlusion reduced UABF from 21.4 to 2.4 ml/min, while OABF increased from 1.9 to only 2.1 ml/min. In six pregnant monkeys near term, chronic partial constriction of the abdominal aorta for an average of 10 days produced a parallel reduction in UABF but no increased circulation through the ovarian or round ligament arteries. The ovarian arteries were not visualized on angiography in these pregnant monkeys even when the abdominal aorta was acutely or chronically constricted; the uterine arteries were readily seen. The authors concluded that acute or chronic aortic constriction in the pregnant monkey at term results in a noncompensated uterine blood flow (UBF) reduction. The possible implications in pregnant women are discussed.