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Placental growth factor (PlGF) is a potent dilator of uterine and mesenteric veins isolated from pregnant rats
Author(s) -
Mandala Maurizio,
Kostin Shan,
Osol George
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.677.13
Subject(s) - medicine , vasodilation , dilator , placenta , endocrinology , mesenteric vein , placental growth factor , fetus , vascular endothelial growth factor , pregnancy , biology , vegf receptors , portal vein , genetics
PlGF, a member of the VEGF family, is produced by the placenta; impairment of its signalling has been reported in preeclampsia. We tested the effect of PlGF on uterine and mesenteric veins to evaluate its vasoactive properties in reproductive vs. non‐reproductive tissues. Uterine (pre‐myometrial, pre‐placental) and third order mesenteric veins isolated from pregnant rats (n=12) were cannulated and pressurized (6 mmHg) in an arteriograph. All vessels were preconstricted 40–50% with U46619 prior to being exposed to PlGF (10pM–3nM). PlGF produced vasodilation in a concentration‐dependent manner in all veins. Similar maximal relaxations were observed in pre‐myometrial (32 ± 5%) and pre‐placental (36 ± 10%) veins, while greater efficacy (52 ± 10%, p<0.05) was noted in mesenteric veins. The kinetics of the vasodilatory response were also different, with half times on the order of 20 vs. 10 minutes in uterine vs. mesenteric vessels. In mesenteric veins, inhibition of NOS + COX reduced vasodilation by 65% on average, to 18 ± 9% (p = 0.03). Thus, PlGF is a potent vasodilator of both reproductive and systemic veins, with significantly more potent and rapid effects in the mesenteric circulation, suggesting an important role for the tissue VEGFR‐1 (Flt‐1) receptor in regulating maternal gestational hemodynamic changes, e.g. venous capacitance and return, and cardiac output. This study was supported by NIH HL79253