Open AccessThe effects of isoproterenol on fetal oxygenation
Author(s) -
Myers R. E.,
Joelsson I.,
Adamsons K.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016347809154024
Subject(s) - medicine , fetus , bradycardia , blood pressure , heart rate , anesthesia , oxygenation , placenta , fetal heart rate , pregnancy , genetics , biology
. Infusion of isoproterenol (1 μg/kg/min, i.v.) into the anesthetized pregnant rhesus monkey near term consistently reduced fetal oxygenation, despite diminishing myometrial activity. The decline in pO 2 of fetal arterial blood (mean=4.3 ± 2.3 mmHg S.D.) was accompanied by an increase in pCO 2 tension (mean=4.6 ± 2.7 mmHg) and a decline in pH (mean=0.04 ± 0.02 S.D.). There was an increase in heart rate and a widening of pulse pressure in the mother and also in the adequately oxygenated fetus providing evidence that the agent crosses the placenta. The poorly oxygenated fetuses developed bradycardia and hypotension. Administration of isoproterenol directly to the fetus elicited similar changes in the composition of blood, and in blood pressure and heart rate, to those observed after administration of the agent to the mother