Phosphorus 31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy of perifused human placental villi under varying oxygen concentrations
Article Abstract:
A procedure for measuring oxygen metabolism in chorionic villi at varying levels of oxygen is presented. The chorionic villi of the placenta are a network of thread-like projections that separate blood from the mother and fetus and play an essential role in providing nutrients to the fetus. Little is known about the consequences to the placenta of inadequate oxygenation resulting from labor or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. Radioactively-labelled phosphorous was used to monitor oxygen consumption and, indirectly, glucose metabolism. Glucose can be broken down in a process not requiring oxygen, known as glycolysis, or in a process requiring oxygen known as oxidative phosphorylation. In the laboratory set-up, oxygen uptake by the chorionic villi increased as much as 10 times when exposed to high oxygen concentrations. Because concentrations of the main product of oxidative phosphorylation increased by only 30% even at the highest levels of oxygen however, glycolysis appears to be the major energy pathway in the placenta.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
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Ethanol exposure induces oxidative stress and impairs nitric oxide availability in the human placental villi: a possible mechanism of toxicity
Article Abstract:
Alcohol may adversely affect the fetus by creating free radicals, which in turn would cause an increase in nitric oxide. Nitric oxide can eliminate free radicals, but this would use up nitric oxide that should be available to increase blood flow. The consequent reduction in blood flow in turn could stunt the baby's growth.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2000
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Differential localization of placental extracellular superoxide dismutase as pregnancy progresses
Article Abstract:
Extracellular superoxide dismutase is located in the placenta, but it appears to remain inside cells until about 17 weeks' gestation. This enzyme breaks down superoxide, preventing it from inactivating nitric oxide.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2000
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