Abstract 184: Exposure To Air Pollution In Utero Causes Persistent Cardiovascular Dysfunction
Exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy can have devastating effects on offspring, inducing intrauterine growth retardation and maturation deficits. These developmental insufficiencies can affect the formation and function of the adult heart. We hypothesized that exposure to air pollution in utero would induce abnormal cardiac function at adulthood. FVB mice were exposed (6h/day, 7d/wk) to environmentally relevant concentrations of ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) or filtered air (FA) beginning when animals were paired for breeding. After birth, both groups remained in FA. Cardiac echocardiography was performed at 10 weeks of age. Birth weight was reduced in pups exposed to PM2.5 during intrauterine development compared to FA exposed pups, and litter size did not differ significantly between groups. Echocardiography revealed reduced left ventricular fractional shortening with greater left ventricular end systolic diameter in PM2.5 exposed mice at 10 weeks of age. These results were similar to data from mice exposed perinatally (until weaning). This study supports the hypothesis that exposure to air pollution in utero can lead to heart dysfunction at adulthood.