Caloric restriction, but not caloric loading, affects circulating fetal and maternal C-type natriuretic peptide concentrations in late ovine gestation

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 1063 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. A. McNeill ◽  
G. K. Barrell ◽  
M. J. Ridgway ◽  
M. P. Wellby ◽  
T. C. R. Prickett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Caloric Restriction ◽  
Natriuretic Peptide ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Nutrient Supply ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
In Pregnancy

The factors regulating the greatly elevated concentrations of maternal plasma C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) forms in ruminant pregnancy are largely unknown, but nutrient status is likely to be important. Previous work has shown that increases in maternal plasma CNP, sourced from the placenta, occur in response to caloric restriction in late gestation. Whether oversupply of nutrients also regulates CNP secretion in pregnancy has not been studied. Hypothesising that CNP in fetal and maternal tissues will be responsive to both deficiency and excess, we studied changes in CNP and a cosecreted fragment, namely N-terminal pro-CNP (NTproCNP), during short-term periods of caloric restriction (CR) and loading (CL). Twin-bearing ewes received CR (fasted Days 121–124), CL (Days 110–124) or control maintenance diets. During CR, fetal plasma CNP forms, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and liveweight all fell, and maternal plasma NTproCNP increased. During CL, fetal IGF-1 increased, whereas CNP forms and liveweight were unchanged, as were maternal concentrations of CNP forms. The high abundance of CNP peptides in placental tissues was unaffected by these short-term changes in nutrient supply. We conclude that CNP in the fetal–maternal unit is acutely responsive to undernutrition, but is unaffected by oversupply in late gestation.

Nutrient restriction in early ovine pregnancy stimulates C-type natriuretic peptide production

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sengodi Madhavan ◽  
Timothy C. R. Prickett ◽  
Eric A. Espiner ◽  
Graham K. Barrell
Keyword(s):  
Natriuretic Peptide ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Energy Requirement ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Nutrient Restriction ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Metabolisable Energy ◽  
Placental Efficiency ◽  
Paracrine Growth Factor

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), a paracrine growth factor promoting vasodilation and angiogenesis, is upregulated in human and ovine pregnancy in response to vascular stress or nutrient restriction (NR) in late gestation. Postulating that maternal plasma CNP products are increased by modest NR (50% of metabolisable energy requirement) early in pregnancy, and further enhanced by litter size, we studied serial changes of maternal plasma CNP in pregnant ewes receiving a normal (NC, n = 12) or restricted (NR, n = 13) diet from Day 30 to Day 93 or 94 of gestation. Liveweight of NR ewes was 10 kg less than that of NC ewes at slaughter. Plasma CNP products increased progressively after Day 40 and were higher in NR (P < 0.05) ewes after Day 60; they were also enhanced by litter size (P < 0.01) and were positively associated with increased placental efficiency. In contrast, whereas fetal and placental weight were reduced by NR, fetal plasma CNP products (Day 93/94) were not affected. We conclude that increases in CNP during rapid placental growth are further enhanced by both increasing nutrient demands and by reduced supply, presumably as part of an adaptive response benefitting placental–fetal exchange.

Effect of alteration of maternal plasma progesterone concentrations on fetal behavioural state during late gestation

1997 ◽  
Vol 152 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
M B Nicol ◽  
J J Hirst ◽  
D Walker ◽  
G D Thorburn
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Fetal Sheep ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Progesterone Synthesis ◽  
Progesterone Metabolites ◽  
Vascular Catheters

Placental progesterone synthesis exposes the fetus to high levels of progesterone and progesterone metabolites during late gestation which may influence fetal behaviour. To determine the role of maternal progesterone synthesis in the control of fetal arousal state and fetal breathing movements (FBM), the effect of raising and lowering maternal progesterone concentrations was examined in chronically catheterised fetal sheep. Fetal and maternal vascular catheters, fetal tracheal and amniotic fluid catheters as well as electrodes for recording fetal electrocortical (ECoG), electro-ocular (EOG) and nuchal muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity were implanted between 118 and 122 days gestational age (GA). Progesterone, 100 mg, administered twice daily i.m. for 3 days (130–133 days GA) resulted in a marked elevation in maternal plasma progesterone concentrations (370 ± 121%, n=5, P<0·05), but had no effect on fetal plasma concentrations. Fetal EOG episodes and the duration of fetal behavioural arousal were significantly suppressed throughout the progesterone treatment period (74·4–81·1% and 58–65% respectively, P<0·05, n=5). Four ewes received Trilostane (25 mg i.v.), a 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, between 136 and 140 days GA. Maternal and fetal progesterone concentrations were significantly lowered by 60 min after treatment (19·8 ± 8·0% and 39·5 ± 24·3% respectively, P<0·05). The incidence of fetal EOG activity increased from a pretreatment level of 26·8 ± 1·5 min/h to 30·3 ± 2·8 min/h at 1–6 h and to 35·0 ± 1·7 min/h (P<0·05) during the 7–12 h after Trilostane treatment. The duration of FBM episodes was significantly higher at 1–6 h and 7–12 h after Trilostane treatment (19·5 ± 3·0 and 23·6 ± 5·5 min/h respectively, P<0·05) compared with pretreatment levels (11·2 ± 1·2 min/h). We conclude that increasing maternal progesterone levels suppresses fetal EOG activity and behavioural arousal, whereas reducing maternal progesterone synthesis leads to an elevation of EOG activity and FBM. Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 152, 379–386

Does the ovine placenta secrete ACTH under normoxic or hypoxic conditions?

1991 ◽  
Vol 260 (2) ◽  
pp. R389-R395 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Keller-Wood ◽  
C. E. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Fetal Circulation ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Hypoxic Conditions ◽  
Ovine Placenta ◽  
Arterial Po2

In the sheep, maternal plasma cortisol is increased in late pregnancy, and fetal plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) rise precipitously in late gestation. In many species, the placenta contains ACTH. These experiments were designed to test whether the ovine placenta contains ACTH and whether there is net secretion of ACTH by the uteroplacental unit into either the maternal or fetal circulation. Pregnant ewes and their fetuses were prepared with maternal and fetal arterial and uterine and umbilical venous catheters. Arterial and venous samples were taken from both sides of the placenta before and during hypoxia induced by the ewe breathing 9-11% O2, and arteriovenous (a-v) differences in ACTH, PO2, PCO2, and progesterone were analyzed. A positive a-v difference in PO2 (48.2 +/- 3.4 mmHg) and negative a-v differences in PCO2 and progesterone (-3.5 +/- 0.7 mmHg and -25 +/- 5 ng/ml, respectively) were found across the placenta in the ewe, and a positive a-v difference in PCO2 (4.8 +/- 0.9 mmHg) and negative a-v differences in PO2 and progesterone (-8.1 +/- 1.5 mmHg and -13 +/- 3 ng/ml, respectively) were found across the placenta in the fetus, indicating that the umbilical and uterine venous catheters were properly placed. Hypoxia decreased fetal and maternal arterial PO2 from 22.8 +/- 1.3 to 13.8 +/- 0.7 and from 98.8 +/- 3.3 to 37.0 +/- 2.6 mmHg, respectively, and increased fetal and maternal arterial ACTH immunoreactivity from 95 +/- 60 to 2,676 +/- 795 and from 149 +/- 21 to 275 +/- 88 pg/ml, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Short-term fluctuations in the concentration of cortisol and progesterone in fetal plasma, maternal plasma, and amniotic and allantoic fluids from sheep during late pregnancy

1981 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. G. Challis ◽  
J. E. Patrick ◽  
Jill Cross ◽  
J. Workewych ◽  
E. Manchester ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Allantoic Fluid ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Two Fluids ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Steroid Profiles

Fluctuations in the concentrations of cortisol and progesterone in fetal plasma, maternal plasma, and amniotic and allantoic fluids were measured in samples taken at 10-min intervals over a 90-min period from three groups of sheep sampled at different times during late pregnancy. During the last 30 days of gestation there was a significant rise in the mean concentration of cortisol in fetal plasma and amniotic fluid and a significant correlation between the cortisol concentration in these two fluids. The concentration of cortisol in allantoic fluid exceeded that in amniotic fluid. The concentration of cortisol in fetal plasma varied in a pulsatile manner; however the coefficient of variation (CV) within animals was greater (36%) on days −11 to −20, relative to the day of parturition (day 0), than on days −21 to −30 or days −5 to 0 (15–19%). The CV values for cortisol in amniotic fluid and maternal plasma during the last 30 days of pregnancy were 20–50% and two to five times greater than the intraassay CV. The concentration of progesterone in amniotic fluid increased after day −20 but was not correlated with that in maternal plasma or fetal plasma. The concentrations of progesterone in paired samples of amniotic fluid and allantoic fluid were similar. The CV values for progesterone (18–34%) were similar in fetal and maternal plasma and amniotic fluid and did not change significantly during late pregnancy. Changes in the concentration of progesterone were unrelated to changes in cortisol. Interpretation of steroid profiles in fetal plasma and fluids through late pregnancy should take into account these short-term fluctuations in hormone concentrations.

Corticotropin-releasing factor in the ovine fetus and pregnant ewe: role of placenta

1991 ◽  
Vol 261 (4) ◽  
pp. R995-R1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Keller-Wood ◽  
C. E. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Corticotropin Releasing Factor ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Ovine Fetus ◽  
Arterial Plasma ◽  
Pregnant Ewe

In the sheep, maternal plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol are increased in late pregnancy, and fetal plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone rise precipitously in late gestation. To test whether the ovine placenta secretes corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) into either the maternal or fetal circulation, pregnant ewes and their fetuses were prepared with femoral arterial catheters and uterine and umbilical venous catheters. Samples were taken from all sites before and during hypoxia. There was no difference in CRF concentration across the placenta in the mothers or the fetuses under resting or hypoxemic conditions, but maternal and fetal arterial plasma CRF concentrations increased between 128 and 145 days. In a second study, maternal and fetal femoral venous plasma CRF concentrations were measured 1-19 days before spontaneous parturition. The mean concentration increased 8.6 +/- 0.6 pg/ml 11-19 days before parturition to 13.0 +/- 1.0 and 13.2 +/- 1.4 pg/ml in fetuses 4-8 and 1-3 days before parturition, respectively. Maternal plasma concentrations did not significantly increase in the days closer to parturition. These studies demonstrate that there are low but measurable CRF concentrations in fetal and maternal sheep plasma but that these are not the result of tonic placental secretion of CRF.

scholarly journals N-carbamylglutamate and L-arginine improved maternal and placental development in underfed ewes

Reproduction ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 151 (6) ◽  
pp. 623-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Zhang ◽  
Lingwei Sun ◽  
Ziyu Wang ◽  
Mingtian Deng ◽  
Haitao Nie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Total Antioxidant ◽  
Endocrine Status ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Hu Sheep

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to determine how dietary supplementation ofN-carbamylglutamate (NCG) and rumen-protected L-arginine (RP-Arg) in nutrient-restricted pregnant Hu sheep would affect (1) maternal endocrine status; (2) maternal, fetal, and placental antioxidation capability; and (3) placental development. From day 35 to day 110 of gestation, 32 Hu ewes carrying twin fetuses were allocated randomly into four groups: 100% of NRC-recommended nutrient requirements, 50% of NRC recommendations, 50% of NRC recommendations supplemented with 20g/day RP-Arg, and 50% of NRC recommendations supplemented with 5g/day NCG product. The results showed that in maternal and fetal plasma and placentomes, the activities of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase were increased (P<0.05); however, the activity of glutathione peroxidase and the concentration of maleic dialdehyde were decreased (P<0.05) in both NCG- and RP-Arg-treated underfed ewes. The mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 was increased (P<0.05) in 50% NRC ewes than in 100% NRC ewes, and had no effect (P>0.05) in both NCG- and RP-Arg-treated underfed ewes. A supplement of RP-Arg and NCG reduced (P<0.05) the concentrations of progesterone, cortisol, and estradiol-17β; had no effect on T4/T3; and improved (P<0.05) the concentrations of leptin, insulin-like growth factor 1, tri-iodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) in serum from underfed ewes. These results indicate that dietary supplementation of NCG and RP-Arg in underfed ewes could influence maternal endocrine status, improve the maternal–fetal–placental antioxidation capability, and promote fetal and placental development during early-to-late gestation.

Impact of periconceptional nutrition on maternal and fetal leptin and fetal adiposity in singleton and twin pregnancies

2005 ◽  
Vol 288 (1) ◽  
pp. R39-R45 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. Edwards ◽  
J. R. McFarlane ◽  
K. G. Kauter ◽  
I. C. McMillen
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Relative Mass ◽  
Fetal Sheep ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Maternal Undernutrition ◽  
Functional Development ◽  
Plasma Leptin ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Twin Pregnancies

It has been proposed that maternal nutrient restriction may alter the functional development of the adipocyte and the synthesis and secretion of the adipocyte-derived hormone, leptin, before birth. We have investigated the effects of restricted periconceptional undernutrition and/or restricted gestational nutrition on fetal plasma leptin concentrations and fetal adiposity in late gestation. There was no effect of either restricted periconceptional or gestational nutrition on maternal or fetal plasma leptin concentrations in singleton or twin pregnancies during late gestation. In ewes carrying twins, but not singletons, maternal plasma leptin concentrations in late gestation were directly related to the change in ewe weight that occurred during the 60 days before mating [maternal leptin = 0.9 (change in ewe weight) + 7.8; r = 0.6, P < 0.05]. In twin, but not singleton, pregnancies, there was also a significant relationship between maternal and fetal leptin concentrations (maternal leptin = 0.5 fetal leptin + 4.2, r = 0.63, P < 0.005). The relative mass of perirenal fat was also significantly increased in twin fetal sheep in the control-restricted group (6.0 ± 0.5) compared with the other nutritional groups (control-control: 4.1 ± 0.4; restricted-restricted: 4.4 ± 0.4; restricted-control: 4.3 ± 0.3). In conclusion, the impact of maternal undernutrition on maternal plasma leptin concentrations during late gestation is dependent on fetal number. Furthermore, we have found that there is an increased fetal adiposity in the twins of ewes that experienced restricted nutrition throughout gestation, and this may be important in the programming of postnatal adiposity.

Prepartum adrenocortical maturation in the fetal foal: responses to ACTH1–24

1994 ◽  
Vol 142 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Silver ◽  
A L Fowden
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Critical Period ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Plasma Acth ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Time To Delivery

Abstract The present study was carried out on 19 chronically catheterized mares and fetuses in late gestation (term >320 days). In six animals which were monitored up to the time of delivery of a live foal, plasma and amniotic fluid cortisol concentrations remained low until 4–5 days before parturition when there was a rapid, significant rise (P<0·05) which was not accompanied by any corresponding changes in maternal plasma cortisol. Circulating fetal ACTH concentrations became more variable close to delivery and ANOVA revealed no significant increases during this critical period, although a negative correlation between plasma ACTH and time to delivery was observed (P<0·05). Tests on fetal adrenal responsiveness to exogenous ACTH1–24 were carried out on ten animals. Before 295 days of gestation no significant increases in fetal plasma cortisol above its basal level of 20–30 nmol/l could be elicited by ACTH, administered as a single i.v. injection (1–2 μg/kg). By 304 ± 3 days (mean ± s.e.m.) small but significant (P<0·05) increments in plasma cortisol were detected after ACTH, while in the oldest group (313 ±2 days) significant (P<0·01) 50–60% increments were seen throughout the test period (2 h). Only one fetus was tested within 3 days of delivery and here a fourfold rise in plasma cortisol was evoked by ACTH. When changes in endogenous levels of circulating ACTH and cortisol were monitored every 15 min over 1·5- to 2-h periods in late gestation, rises in ACTH were only accompanied by concomitant increases in plasma cortisol in fetuses within 5 days of delivery (correlation coefficient r=0·58, P<0·01). Before this time, plasma cortisol concentrations remained at basal levels irrespective of any fluctuations in plasma ACTH. These findings indicate that the adrenal cortex of the fetal foal is relatively quiescent and insensitive to ACTH for most of the latter part of gestation, but that a short rapid escalation in circulating cortisol precedes its delivery. Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 142, 417–425

scholarly journals C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Forms in Pregnancy: Maternal Plasma Profiles during Ovine Gestation Correlate with Placental and Fetal Maturation

Endocrinology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 150 (10) ◽  
pp. 4777-4783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryony A. McNeill ◽  
Graham K. Barrell ◽  
Martin Wellby ◽  
Timothy C. R. Prickett ◽  
Timothy G. Yandle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natriuretic Peptide ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Elevated Protein ◽  
Strong Relation ◽  
Firm Basis ◽  
Circulating Levels ◽  
Amino Terminal Fragment

Abstract Circulating concentrations of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and a related amino terminal fragment (NTproCNP) were measured at weekly intervals from preconception to 3 wk postpartum in ewes with twins (n = 8) and nonpregnant ewes (n = 8). In contrast to low and stable values in nonpregnant ewes (CNP, 0.75 ± 0.08; NTproCNP, 22 ± 2 pmol/liter), CNP forms increased abruptly at 40–50 d of gestation and rose to peak values (CNP, 31 ± 5, NTproCNP, 270 ± 16 pmol/liter) at about d 120. Approximately 7 d prepartum, the concentration of both CNP forms fell precipitously to preconception values immediately postpartum. In separate studies, circulating maternal CNP forms were positively related to fetal number at d 120. Consistent with a major contribution from the placenta to circulating levels, the concentrations of CNP forms were elevated in the placentome (cotyledon: CNP, 18 ± 4, NTproCNP, 52 ± 10 pmol/g; caruncle: CNP, 13 ± 3, NTproCNP, 31 ± 6 pmol/g) and much higher than those of intercaruncular uterine tissue (CNP, 0.19 ± 0.05, NTproCNP, 0.98 ± 0.2 pmol/g) in late-gestation ewes (P &lt; 0.001, n = 4). These distinctive patterns of maternal plasma CNP forms, positive relation with fetal number, and greatly elevated protein concentrations in the placentome demonstrate the hormone’s strong relation to placental and fetal maturation. The findings provide a firm basis for future studies of the functional role of CNP in fetal-maternal welfare.

Fetal-maternal fluid and electrolyte relations during chronic fetal urine loss in sheep

1992 ◽  
Vol 263 (4) ◽  
pp. F671-F679 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. E. Wlodek ◽  
R. Harding ◽  
G. D. Thorburn
Keyword(s):  
Phase 1 ◽  
Plasma Osmolality ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Allantoic Fluid ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Osmotic Gradient ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Fetal Urine

Our aim was to determine the effects of prolonged removal of fetal urine during late gestation on fetal-maternal fluid and electrolyte relationships. We measured the volume and composition of fetal urine and amniotic and allantoic fluids and the composition of fetal and maternal plasma in sheep before and during continuous urine drainage, which began at 130 days of gestation and continued until the onset of labor; a control group was also studied. The response to fetal urine drainage occurred in two phases. In the "acute" phase (1-3 days), amniotic and allantoic fluid volumes decreased significantly, presumably due to their reabsorption into the fetal chorionic circulation or swallowing of amniotic fluid by the fetus. During the "chronic" phase, starting 3-5 days after urine drainage, a significant reversal in the transplacental osmotic gradient occurred due to a decrease in maternal plasma osmolality. During the entire drainage period (14.1 +/- 1.1 days, mean +/- SE, n = 5) at least 542 ml/day of water and 24 mmol/day of electrolytes passed from the mother into the fetal circulation and fetal plasma osmolality was unchanged. We conclude that, despite the loss of substantial water and electrolytes, the fetus is able to maintain its growth and fluid and electrolyte homeostasis by obtaining water and electrolytes initially from the amniotic and allantoic fluids and subsequently from its mother. The movement of water and electrolytes to the fetus would have been facilitated by the reversed transplacental osmotic gradient.

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