B-flow/spatiotemporal image correlation M-mode: novel ultrasound method that detects decrease in spiral artery luminal diameter in first trimester in primate model of impaired spiral artery remodeling.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if B-flow/spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) M-mode ultrasonography detects a decrease in spiral artery luminal diameter and volume flow during the first trimester in a non-human primate model of impaired spiral artery remodeling (SAR). METHODS: Pregnant baboons were treated daily with estradiol benzoate on days 25-59 of the first trimester (term, 184 days), or remained untreated. On day 60 of gestation, spiral artery luminal diameter (in seven untreated and 12 estradiol-treated baboons) and volume flow (in four untreated and eight estradiol-treated baboons) were quantified by B-flow/STIC M-mode ultrasonography. In addition, in 15 untreated and 18 estradiol-treated baboons, the percent of spiral arteries remodeled by extravillous trophoblasts was quantified ex vivo by immunohistochemical image analysis on placental basal plate tissue collected via Cesarean section on day 60. Findings were compared between treated and untreated animals. The correlation between spiral artery luminal diameter and percent of SAR was assessed in three untreated and six estradiol-treated baboons which underwent both B-flow/STIC M-mode ultrasound and quantification of SAR. RESULTS: The proportion of spiral arteries greater than 50 µm in diameter remodeled by extravillous trophoblasts was 70% lower in estradiol-treated baboons than in untreated animals (P = 0.000001). Spiral artery luminal diameter in systole and diastole, as quantified by B-flow/STIC M-mode in the first trimester of pregnancy, was 31% (P = 0.014) and 50% (P = 0.005) lower, respectively, and volume flow was 85% lower (P = 0.014), in SAR-suppressed baboons compared with untreated animals. There was a significant correlation between spiral artery luminal diameter as quantified by B-flow/STIC M-mode ultrasonography and the percent of SAR (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: B-flow/STIC M-mode ultrasonography provides a novel real-time non-invasive method to detect a decrease in uterine spiral artery luminal diameter and volume flow during the cardiac cycle, reflecting decreased distensibility of the vessel wall, in the first trimester in a non-human primate model of defective SAR. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Suppression of extravillous trophoblast invasion of uterine spiral arteries by estrogen during early baboon pregnancy.

The present study determined whether estrogen plays a role in regulating invasion and remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries by extravillous trophoblasts during early baboon pregnancy. The level of trophoblast invasion of spiral arteries was assessed on day 60 of gestation (term is 184 days) in baboons untreated or treated on days 25-59 with estradiol or aromatizable androstenedione. The administration of estradiol or androstenedione increased (P<0.01) maternal serum estradiol levels approximately 3-fold above normal. The mean+/-SE percentage of spiral arteries/arterioles invaded by extravillous cytotrophoblasts in estradiol-treated baboons for vessels with diameters of 26-50 microm (0.0+/-0.0), 51-100 microm (1.2+/-0.7) and >100 microm (13.2+/-5.5) was 100%, 90%, and 75% lower (P<0.001), respectively, than in untreated baboons (2.4+/-1.2%; 11.0+/-5.5%, and 54.5+/-8.5%, respectively). Similar results were obtained with androstenedione treatment. However, the distribution of uterine spiral arteries grouped by diameter or number of arteries per basal plate area, i.e. microvessel density, were similar in untreated and estrogen-treated baboons. We suggest, therefore, that the low levels of estrogen exhibited during early primate pregnancy are required to permit normal progression of trophoblast vascular invasion and that the surge in estrogen which occurs during the second-third of normal pregnancy has a physiological role in suppressing further arterial trophoblast invasion. Consequently, we propose that the estrogen-dependent restraint of spiral artery invasion/remodeling ensures optimal blood flow dynamics across the uteroplacental vascular bed to promote normal fetal growth and development.

The role of estrogen in the maintenance of primate pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the role of estrogen in pregnancy maintenance in baboons by suppressing estrogen synthesis through administration of a highly specific nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, CGS 20267. STUDY DESIGN: CGS 20267 was administered subcutaneously at maximal dosages of 2.0 mg/d to pregnant baboons (n = 24) daily beginning on either day 30 (n = 8), day 60 (n = 8), or day 100 (n = 8) of gestation (normal length of gestation is 184 days) until animals miscarried or were delivered abdominally on days 160 through 168 of gestation. CGS 20267 and estradiol (n = 9), each at maximal dosages of 2 mg/d, were administered at the same intervals of gestation. Twenty baboons served as untreated control animals. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were determined by radioimmunoassay from serum samples obtained at 1- to 3-day intervals from a maternal peripheral vein. RESULTS: Within 1 to 3 days of the initiation of CGS 20267 administration, maternal serum estradiol concentration decreased to and remained at a level that was substantially lower (mean +/- SE, 0. 096 +/- 0.003 ng/mL) than in the untreated control animals throughout gestation (0.35-4.0 ng/mL; P <.001). Although pregnancy was maintained in 19 of the 20 untreated control baboons (95%), only 12 of the 24 animals that received CGS 20267 (50%) maintained pregnancy. In contrast, all the baboons treated concomitantly with estradiol and CGS 20267 (9/9) maintained pregnancy. Thus estradiol alone prevented the high rate of miscarriage induced by the antiestrogenic agent CGS 20267. Serum progesterone concentrations were not significantly different throughout the experimental period between the CGS 20267-treated baboons that maintained pregnancy (12. 9 +/- 1.4 ng/mL) and those that miscarried (13.6 +/- 1.6 ng/mL) and were not lower in antiestrogen-treated baboons than in untreated control baboons (10.6 +/- 0.8 ng/mL). CONCLUSION: Estrogen, acting directly, indirectly, or both through a factor or factors other than the level of progesterone, plays a critically important physiologic role in the maintenance of primate pregnancy.

Developmental expression of and effect of betamethasone on the messenger ribonucleic acid levels for peptide growth factors in the baboon fetal adrenal gland.

In the present study, we determined whether expression of the messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) for insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II), and its principal IGF type-1 receptor and IGF-binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2), as well as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), was developmentally regulated in the baboon fetal adrenal gland. In the second phase of this study, fetal pituitary ACTH was suppressed by the administration of betamethasone to determine the possible effect on the mRNA levels for those factors, i.e. IGF-II and IGFBP-2, shown to be expressed at high levels in the adrenal late in fetal development. Adrenals were obtained from fetuses delivered via Cesarean section on days 60 (early), 100 (mid), and 165 (late) of gestation (term=184 days) from untreated baboons and on day 165 from baboons in which betamethasone was administered to the fetus, or to fetus and mother, every other day between days 150 and 164 of gestation. Although the mRNA levels of IGF-II in the fetal adrenal were similar at early, mid and late gestation, IGF type-1 receptor mRNA levels were approximately 2- to 3-fold greater (P<0.01) at mid than at early or late gestation. In contrast, there was an increase (P<0.001) in fetal adrenal IGFBP-2 and bFGF mRNA levels in late gestation. Although fetal adrenal weights and width of the zone of definitive/transitional cells exhibiting immunocytochemical staining for Delta(5)-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) were markedly suppressed (P<0.01) by the administration of betamethasone, IGF-II and IGFBP-2 mRNA expression was not decreased. In summary, very different patterns of mRNA levels for IGF-II, IGF type-1 receptor, IGFBP-2 and bFGF were exhibited in the developing baboon fetal adrenal gland, which may reflect functionally important differences in their respective cellular localization within the cortex, as well as a divergence in the functional development of the fetal, transitional and definitive zones of the baboon fetal adrenal cortex.

Effect of maternal betamethasone administration at midgestation on baboon fetal adrenal gland development and adrenocorticotropin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid expression.

Although fetal pituitary ACTH is important to fetal adrenal growth and steroidogenesis in the second half of primate pregnancy, its role in adrenal development and function has not been established in vivo in the first half of gestation. In the present study, therefore, baboons were treated at midgestation with betamethasone to determine the effect of fetal pituitary ACTH on fetal adrenal growth, development, and ACTH receptor and P-450 enzyme messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels. The administration of betamethasone to baboon mothers on days 60-99 of gestation (term = 184 days) decreased fetal pituitary POMC mRNA levels by 54% (P < 0.01) and fetal serum ACTH levels to undetectable values (P < 0.05). The decline in ACTH was associated with decreases in fetal adrenal weight (P < 0.001), cortical cell size (P < 0.05), appearance of apoptosis and cellular disorganization, and a loss of immunocytochemically demonstrable definitive zone-specific delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression. The concomitant administration of ACTH and betamethasone restored these aspects of adrenal integrity to normal. Moreover, there was approximately a 95% decrease (P < 0.01) in fetal adrenal expression of ACTH receptor, P-450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage, and P-450 17alpha-hydroxylase 17/20-lyase mRNA levels after betamethasone administration. We conclude that fetal pituitary ACTH is necessary for the growth and development of fetal and definitive cortical zones and the marked coordinated increase in ACTH receptor and maintenance of P-450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage/P-450 17alpha-hydroxylase 17/20-lyase expression in the baboon fetal adrenal gland during the first half of gestation.

Analysis of apoptosis and expression of bcl-2 gene family members in the human and baboon ovary.

Recent data support a role for apoptosis, under tight regulatory control by bcl-2, oxidative stress response, tumor suppressor, and CASP gene family members, in mediating granulosa cell demise during follicular atresia in the rodent and avian ovary. Herein we evaluated the occurrence of apoptosis in the human and baboon ovary relative to follicular health status, and analyzed expression of several cell death genes in these tissues. In situlocalization of DNA strand breaks in fixed human and baboon ovarian tissue sections indicated that apoptosis was essentially restricted to granulosa cells of atretic antral follicles. Biochemical analysis of DNA oligonucleosomes in individual follicles isolated from baboon ovaries during the ovulatory phase revealed the presence of apoptotic DNA fragments in subordinate but not dominant follicles, thus substantiating the in situ labeling studies. Messenger RNA transcripts encoded by the bax death susceptibility gene, the bcl-xlong survival gene, the bcl-xshort pro-apoptosis gene, the p53 tumor suppressor gene, and two members of the CASP gene family (CASP-2/Ich-1, CASP-3/CPP32), were detected by Northern blot analysis of total RNA prepared either from human ovaries or from Percoll-purified granulosa-lutein cells obtained from patients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. Lastly, immunohistochemical localization of the BAX death-susceptibility protein in the human ovary revealed abundant expression in granulosa cells of early atretic follicles, whereas BAX protein was extremely low or non-detectable in healthy or grossly-atretic follicles. We conclude that apoptosis occurs during, and is probably responsible for, folicular atresia in the human and baboon ovary. Moreover, apoptosis in the human ovary is likely controlled by altered expression of the same cohort of cell death regulatory factors recently implicated as primary determinants of apoptosis induction or suppression in the rodent ovary.

Inhibition of fetal adrenal adrenocorticotropin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid expression by betamethasone administration to the baboon fetus in late gestation.

Throughout the majority of intrauterine development, the primate fetal adrenal gland is comprised primarily of fetal zone cells and only late in gestation do definitive zone cells, which express the enzyme delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3beta-HSD) emerge to produce cortisol. The present study was designed to determine whether the induction of definitive zone ACTH receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and components of the steroidogenic pathway known to be expressed specifically in the definitive zone, e.g. the 3beta-HSD enzyme, are dependent upon fetal pituitary ACTH. Fetal pituitaries and adrenal glands were obtained on day 165 (term = day 184) from untreated controls (n = 7) and from baboons in which betamethasone was administered im to the fetus (0.6 mg/100 microl; n = 4) or to the fetus (0.6 mg) and mother (6 mg/ml; n = 4) every other day between days 150 and 164 of gestation. Although fetal pituitary weight was not altered by betamethasone, POMC mRNA levels determined by in situ hybridization were lower (P < 0.05) in betamethasone-treated (0.34 +/- 0.07 arbitrary densitometric units) than in untreated controls (0.63 +/- 0.04). Associated with this decline in pituitary POMC, levels of the major 3.4-kb mRNA transcript for the ACTH receptor expressed as a ratio of beta-actin were approximately 80% lower (P < 0.05) in fetal adrenals of betamethasone-treated baboons (0.12 +/- 0.02) than in untreated controls (0.84 +/- 0.05). In situ hybridization indicated that ACTH receptor mRNA expression in the definitive zone exceeded that in the fetal zone and was reduced by betamethasone. Associated with the decrease in ACTH receptor expression, fetal adrenal weight was suppressed (P < 0.05) by 50% and reflected a marked reduction (P < 0.05) in the size of the cells of the definitive and fetal zones. Betamethasone treatment also induced a decrease (P < 0.05) in the width (microm) of the definitive zone (183 +/- 14 vs. 128 +/- 7; determined by immunohistochemical expression of 3beta-HSD), as well as the levels of the mRNA and protein for 3beta-HSD. Levels of the mRNA for the LDL-receptor and the enzymes 17alpha-hydroxylase-C(17,20) lyase and P450 cholesterol side chain cleavage were also suppressed in adrenals of betamethasone-treated baboons. These findings indicate that treatment of the baboon fetus with betamethasone in late gestation suppressed fetal pituitary POMC mRNA expression and ACTH receptor mRNA levels in the fetal adrenal gland, as well as the hypertrophy and ACTH receptor mRNA and 3beta-HSD mRNA/protein levels in the cells comprising the newly emerging definitive zone. We conclude that ACTH is necessary for the up-regulation of the mRNAs for the ACTH receptor and steroidogenic enzymes in the definitive zone of the primate fetal adrenal gland in late gestation.

Decline in adrenocorticotropin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid expression in the baboon fetal adrenocortical zone in the second half of pregnancy.

We have previously shown a decrease in fetal zone-specific ACTH-stimulable dehydroepiandrosterone formation and an increase in definitive zone-specific cortisol biosynthesis in the baboon fetal adrenal gland in the second half of gestation. Therefore, the fetal and definitive zones seem to develop a divergence in functional capacity with advancing gestation. We have proposed, therefore, that there is a selective decrease in ACTH receptor expression and thus tropic responsivity to ACTH within the fetal zone in the second half of primate pregnancy. The present study examined this possibility and whether corresponding changes occurred in the developmental expression of major components required for steroidogenesis. ACTH receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, determined by in situ hybridization, in the fetal zone of the baboon fetal adrenal were approximately 2-fold greater (P < 0.05) at mid (i.e. day 100) than at late (i.e. day 170) gestation and 3-fold greater (P < 0.01) in the definitive zone than in the fetal zone in late gestation (term = 184 days). Both ACTH receptor and low density lipoprotein receptor mRNA levels, determined by Northern blot in the whole fetal adrenal, also decreased (P < 0.001) by approximately 50%, whereas the mRNA levels for the definitive zone-specific delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3beta-HSD) enzyme required for cortisol biosynthesis increased over 13-fold (P < 0.001) between mid and late gestation. In contrast, mRNA expression of the steroidogenic enzymes P-450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage and 17alpha-hydroxylase/17-20 lyase were unchanged throughout gestation. We conclude that the decrease in ACTH receptor mRNA expression and ACTH-stimulable dehydroepiandrosterone formation in the second half of gestation reflect a decline in functional capacity of the fetal zone, whereas the increase in 3beta-HSD mRNA expression and cortisol production results from the ACTH receptor-mediated development and enhanced functional capacity of the definitive zone.

Biphasic developmental expression of adrenocorticotropin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid levels in the baboon fetal adrenal gland.

We have previously shown an estrogen-dependent developmental regulation of placental oxidation of cortisol to cortisone that results in enhanced fetal pituitary ACTH production and the induction of steroidogenic enzymes in and de novo cortisol production by the fetal adrenal in the second half of baboon pregnancy. However, it is not known whether the receptor for ACTH is simultaneously generated at this time in development to provide a mechanism for mediating the tropic action of ACTH on steroidogenesis in the primate fetal adrenal gland. Therefore, in the present study we determined the levels of ACTH receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) and correlated ACTH receptor expression with appearance of the mRNA for delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3betaHSD), the enzyme protein that signals functional maturation of the definitive cortical zone in the baboon fetal adrenal. A baboon ACTH receptor complementary DNA was cloned and hybridized with polyadenylated RNA isolated from baboon (Papio anubis) fetal adrenals obtained in early (days 58-64; RNA from seven baboon fetuses pooled to yield three samples), mid-(days 99-103; RNA from five baboons pooled to yield four samples), and late (days 165-168; RNA of four individual baboon fetuses) gestation (term = 184 days). Expression of the primary 3.4-kilobase ACTH receptor mRNA transcript, determined by Northern blot and expressed as a ratio of beta-actin mRNA, was minimal early in gestation (mean +/- SE, 0.11 +/- 0.05 arbitrary densitometric units). However, fetal adrenal ACTH receptor mRNA levels increased (P < 0.001, by ANOVA) approximately 13-fold to 1.41 +/- 0.16 at midgestation, then declined by 70% (P < 0.001) to 0.41 +/- 0.10 in late gestation. To determine whether the decrease in ACTH receptor expression by the fetal adrenal in the second half of pregnancy reflected programmed cell death, the integrity of genomic DNA was assessed by 32P-labeled DNA gel electrophoresis and in situ DNA end labeling. Because DNA oligonucleosomes and apoptotic DNA strand breaks characteristic of apoptosis were absent in the adrenal glands of fetal baboons, the decline in ACTH receptor mRNA levels in the fetal adrenal did not seem to reflect programmed cell death. Expression of the single 2.0-kilobase mRNA transcript for 3betaHSD, an enzyme localized specifically in the definitive zone of the fetal adrenal, was minimal in early (0.01 +/- 0.00 arbitrary units) and mid- (0.10 +/- 0.01) gestation. However, 3betaHSD mRNA levels were markedly increased late in gestation to a value (1.38 =/- 0.34) approximately 13-fold greater (P < 0.001) than that in midgestation. These findings indicate that there was a biphasic monomodal developmental expression of the ACTH receptor in the baboon fetal adrenal, which contrasted with the progressive increase in adrenal weight, 3betaHSD expression, and de novo cortisol production previously determined. Because the fetal adrenal is comprised mainly of the fetal cortical zone throughout gestation, the decrease in ACTH receptor expression between mid- and late gestation seems to occur primarily in the latter zone and may signal a selective decline in tropic responsivity of and delta5-C19-steroid, e.g. dehydroepiandrosterone, biosynthesis within the baboon fetal adrenal gland.

Indirect hypertensive actions of long-term intracarotid angiotensin II infusion during ovine pregnancy.

Angiotensin II (AngII) influences the regulation of mean arterial pressure (MAP) through numerous mechanisms, including an action of circulating AngII on the brain to alter autonomic activity. We have obtained evidence that the relative importance of this effect is increased during pregnancy. Consequently, these studies were undertaken to assess the effects of bilateral infusion of AngII (0.35 ng.kg-1.min-1.artery-1) into the internal carotid arteries (ica) of sheep for 13 days. Six non-pregnant (NP) and six 105- to 125-day pregnant (PG) ewes were maintained in large metabolism cages, where MAP was continuously monitored. By day 10 of ica AngII infusion in NP ewes, MAP was increased from 83.9 +/- 1.6 to 92.9 +/- 2.8 mmHg (1 mmHg = 133.3 Pa) (p = 0.001). Twenty-four hour urine volume (UV, 2664 +/- 341 to 1583 +/- 228 mL; p = 0.005) and sodium excretion (UNaV, 190 +/- 5 to 113 +/- 19 mmol/day; p = 0.005) were decreased. 51Cr-tagged blood volume (BV) was increased on day 13 (3643 +/- 187 to 4379 +/- 446 mL; p = 0.05). In contrast, by only day 6 of ica AngII infusion in PG ewes, MAP increased from 79.1 +/- 1.9 to 84.1 +/- 1.4 mmHg (p = 0.03) in association with a BV expansion from 3999 +/- 274 to 4207 +/- 275 mL. These changes were preceded by decreases in UV (2813 +/- 413 to 2198 +/- 362 mL; p = 0.01) and UNaV (190 +/- 15 to 118 +/- 26 mmol/day; p = 0.01). By day 13, MAP had plateaued at 93.0 +/- 1.2 mmHg.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Tubular handling of fluid and electrolytes during ovine pregnancy.

Pregnancy is characterized by progressive water and sodium accumulation and increases in renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). However, the influence of the different nephron segments on the increased tubular reabsorption is controversial. Consequently, four nonpregnant and five pregnant sheep were studied, after chronic instrumentation, to assess salt and water reabsorption in the proximal and distal tubules under basal and volume-loaded conditions. Lithium clearance was used as a marker for proximal tubular reabsorption. Volume loading was achieved by the rapid administration of 1,000 ml isotonic saline followed by 250 ml/h for 2 h. Under basal conditions with reference to the nonpregnant state, pregnant sheep had higher (P < 0.05) levels of right RBF (427 +/- 34 vs. 313 +/- 8 ml/min), GFR (133 +/- 7 vs. 94 +/- 9 ml/min), proximal tubular reabsorption (102 +/- 7 vs. 73 +/- 6 ml/min), distal nephron fluid delivery (31 +/- 2 vs. 20 +/- 2 ml/min), and fractional distal nephron reabsorption of fluid (92 +/- 2 vs. 87 +/- 1%) and sodium (98.8 +/- 0.3 vs. 97.0 +/- 0.7%). However, pregnant animals had significantly (P < 0.05) reduced fractional excretions of fluid (1.6 +/- 0.3 vs. 2.6 +/- 0.2%) and sodium (0.24 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.63 +/- 0.19%), but similar levels of filtration fraction, fractional proximal tubular reabsorption, urine flow, urinary sodium excretion, and osmolar and free water clearance. After saline loading, pregnant sheep excreted significantly (P < 0.05) less sodium (9.2 vs. 28.6%) and water (39.8 vs. 56.5%). Decreases in fractional proximal and distal nephron reabsorption of sodium and water after saline loading were attenuated in pregnant animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influence of pregnancy on mean systemic filling pressure and the cardiac function curve in guinea pigs.

To assess the degree of circulatory fullness and to evaluate the influence of peripheral and cardiac factors in the regulation of cardiac output during pregnancy, the following studies were conducted using pentobarbital-anesthetized, open-chest nonpregnant and late term pregnant guinea pigs. Mean circulatory filling pressure was taken as the equilibrium pressure when the pulmonary artery was constricted. Total vascular compliance was assessed by +/- 5-mL changes in blood volume performed while this constriction was maintained. A separate group of guinea pigs was prepared with a pulmonary artery electromagnetic flow probe and right atrial catheter. Rapid infusion of saline was used to increase right atrial pressure while the cardiac output was determined. Pregnancy was characterized by the following changes relative to nonpregnant controls: 51Cr-labelled RBC blood volume increased from 55 +/- 3 to 67 +/- 3 mL/kg; mean circulatory filling pressure increased from 7.1 +/- 0.2 to 8.0 +/- 0.5 mmHg (1 mmHg = 133.322 Pa); right atrial pressure decreased from 3.4 +/- 0.2 to 2.1 +/- 0.3 mmHg; and cardiac output increased from 71.8 +/- 3.9 to 96.8 +/- 3.3 mL.min-1.kg-1. Total vascular compliance was not changed (2.1 +/- 0.1 mL.kg-1.mmHg-1) and most of the expanded blood volume was accommodated as unstressed volume. The cardiac function curve was shifted upwards in pregnant animals. The resistance to venous return, as determined from the slope of the venous return curves, was not changed. These data suggest that the circulation of the pregnant guinea pig is slightly overfilled.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Renal nerve effects on renal adaptation to changes in sodium intake during ovine pregnancy.

To assess the possibility of an enhanced role of renal nerves in the control of urinary sodium excretion (UNaV) and fluid homeostasis during pregnancy, urine output, UNaV, and urinary potassium excretion were assessed hourly for 3 days before and for 6 days after a step reduction in total daily sodium intake from 400 to 40 mmol. Studies were performed in normal conscious sheep (4 nonpregnant and 4 pregnant). Each animal was prepared with a divided bladder so that urine could be collected simultaneously from one normally innervated and one denervated kidney. In nonpregnant ewes, ratios of the rates of excretion by denervated vs. innervated kidneys for UNaV averaged 1.00 +/- 0.07 under steady-state conditions at high levels of sodium intake. This ratio was not different at the low-sodium-intake state. In contrast, this ratio was 1.15 +/- 0.07 at high sodium intake and 1.13 +/- 0.03 at low sodium intake in pregnant ewes. The ratios at both steady-state intake levels were different (P less than 0.05) between nonpregnant and pregnant sheep. During the transition between sodium intake states, these ratios were unchanged in nonpregnant animals, whereas pregnant animals exhibited peak ratios of 2.20 +/- 0.39 (P less than 0.05), indicating sodium wasting by the denervated kidneys. In summary, the data suggest that renal nerve activity may not be completely suppressed by high sodium intakes in pregnant sheep. Furthermore, the renal nerves have an enhanced influence on sodium conservation during and after the transition from high- to low-sodium-intake states during pregnancy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)