Prout AP, Frasch MG, Veldhuizen RA, Hammond R, Ross MG, Richardson BS
Systemic and cerebral inflammatory response to umbilical cord occlusions with worsening acidosis in the ovine fetus. [JOURNAL ARTICLE]
Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009 Nov 2.
OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that repetitive umbilical cord occlusions (UCOs) with worsening acidosis will lead to a fetal inflammatory response.
STUDY DESIGN: Chronically instrumented fetal sheep underwent a series of UCOs until fetal arterial pH decreased to <7.00. Maternal and fetal blood samples were taken for blood gases/pH and plasma interleukin (IL)-1B and IL-6 levels. Animals were euthanized at 24 hours of recovery with brain tissue processed for subsequent measurement of microglia and mast cell counts.
RESULTS: Repetitive UCOs resulted in a severe degree of fetal acidemia. Fetal plasma IL-1B values were increased approximately 2-fold when measured at maximal fetal acidosis and again at 1-2 hours of recovery. Fetal microglia cells were increased approximately 2-fold in the white matter and hippocampus, while mast cells were increased approximately 2-fold in the choroid plexus and now evident in the thalamus when analyzed at 24 hours recovery.
CONCLUSION: Repetitive UCOs leading to severe acidemia in the ovine fetus near term will result in an inflammatory response both systemically and locally within the brain.
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