Studies on pregnancy hypertension and IUGR-SFD: effects of drugs on the blood vessels in the placenta of pregnant SHRSP.

Abstract

1. Based upon our previous work, we came to the conclusion that a decrease in placental blood volume was a possible factor behind intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in pregnancy-induced hypertension. 2. In a second study, we used an image analysis system to measure cross-sectional areas and wall thicknesses of central blood vessels of the spiral artery, the so-called 'central artery'. 3. It was thought that one of the more basic factors behind IUGR in pregnancy-induced hypertension might possibly be narrowings and spasms of the maternal placental blood vessels. 4. In this study, we found that the three drugs we used (MgSO4 center dot 7H2O, Solcoseryl and KCl) all resulted in an enlargement of the cross-sectional areas of the maternal blood vessels, and that MgSO4 center dot 7H2O, in particular, also relaxed maternal blood vessel spasms in SHRSP placenta.