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Oxidative damage and nitric oxide synthase induction by surgical uteroplacental circulation restriction in the rabbit fetal heart
Author(s) -
Figueroa Horacio,
Alvarado Cristobal,
Cifuentes Jorge,
Lozano Mauricio,
Rocco Jocelyn,
Cabezas Claudia,
Illanes Sebastian E.,
Eixarch Elisenda,
HernándezAndrade Edgar,
Gratacós Eduard,
Irarrazabal Carlos E.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
prenatal diagnosis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.956
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1097-0223
pISSN - 0197-3851
DOI - 10.1002/pd.5031
Subject(s) - fetus , medicine , intrauterine growth restriction , enos , endocrinology , oxidative stress , nitric oxide synthase , placenta , nitric oxide , oxidative phosphorylation , biology , andrology , pregnancy , biochemistry , genetics
Objective This study investigated the role of oxidative damage and nitric oxide (NO) synthases in the fetal heart using a model of intrauterine growth restriction induced by uteroplacental circulation restriction (UCR). Methods New Zealand white rabbits kept under 12‐h light cycles, with food and water provided ad libitum , were subjected at day 25 of pregnancy to 40–50% uteroplacental artery ligation. We analyzed the gene expression of enzymes linked to nitric oxide synthesis (iNOS, eNOS, HO‐1, and ARG‐2), hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF‐1α), and the state of oxidative stress (protein carbonyl levels) in fetal heart homogenates. Additionally, we studied the histological morphology of the fetal heart. Results We found that fetal growth restriction was associated with a significant reduction in heart weight but a normal heart/body weight ratio in UCR animals. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed normal left and right ventricular thickness but increased vessel dilatation with hyperemia in the hearts of the UCR group. We observed HIF‐1 α , eNOS, p‐eNOS, and iNOS induction concomitant with intensified protein carbonyl levels but observed no changes in HO‐1 or ARG‐2 expression, suggesting increased NO and oxidative stress in the hearts of UCR animals. Conclusion Uteroplacental circulation restriction increased NO‐linked enzymes, oxidative damage, and dilated coronary vessels in fetal hearts. © 2017 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.