The renin-angiotensin system during pregnancy in chronically instrumented, conscious rats
Article Abstract:
Renin is an enzyme produced in the kidneys that converts angiotensin to its active form. Angiotensin causes blood vessels to constrict which in turn raises blood pressure. There is an increase in active renin during pregnancy. An animal model would be helpful for research on the renin-angiotensin system in pregnancy. The course and level of renin in conscious pregnant rats is the subject of controversy. Because anesthesia and stress could alter the production of renin, renin was measured in pregnant rats while they were allowed to move about freely. Renin was measured over the course of the pregnancy before and after delivery. In the middle of pregnancy, the force and flow of blood through the kidneys are at their highest, decreasing as the expected time of delivery nears. It was found that active angiotensin does not control the constriction of blood vessels nearer to delivery. Enalaprilat, a drug to lower blood pressure, does not do so through reducing the circulation of active angiotensin.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1989
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Effects of chronic infusion of angiotensin II on renin and blood pressure in the late-gestation fetal sheep
Article Abstract:
Fetuses in late pregnancy may experience an increase in angiotensin II plasma levels that suppresses levels of active renin and prorenin. Active renin forms angiotensin I from angiotensinogen. Renin and angiotensin help regulate cardiovascular function. Researchers infused 17 sheep fetuses in late gestation with either angiotensin II or sugar water for three days. Increases in plasma levels of angiotensin II caused quick suppression of active renin release into plasma and a more gradual suppression of inactive (prorenin) release. Angiotensin II may suppress the release of active renin and prorenin in the fetal kidney.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1997
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Human immunodeficiency virus infection: in situ polymerase chain reaction localization in human placentas after in utero and in vitro infection
Article Abstract:
HIV-1 appears to infect primarily syncytiotrophoblast, Hofbauer cells, and extravillous mononuclear cells in placental tissue. Even in HIV-infected women who take zidovudine, the rate of viral transmission from mother to fetus is 4% to 8%.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2000
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