Chronic binge alcohol consumption during pregnancy alters rat maternal uterine artery pressure response

Alcohol. 2016 Nov:56:59-64. doi: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2016.10.005. Epub 2016 Oct 13.

Abstract

We aimed to investigate pressure-dependent maternal uterine artery responses and vessel remodeling following gestational binge alcohol exposure. Two groups of pregnant rats were used: the alcohol group (28.5% wt/v, 6.0 g/kg, once-daily orogastric gavage in a binge paradigm between gestational day (GD) 5-19) and pair-fed controls (isocalorically matched). On GD20, excised, pressurized primary uterine arteries were studied following equilibration (60 mm Hg) using dual chamber arteriograph. The uterine artery diameter stabilized at 20 mm Hg, showed passive distension at 40 mm Hg, and redeveloped tone at 60 mm Hg. An alcohol effect (P = 0.0025) was observed on the percent constriction of vessel diameter with greater pressure-dependent myogenic constriction. Similar alcohol effect was noted with lumen diameter response (P = 0.0020). The percent change in media:lumen ratio was higher in the alcohol group (P < 0.0001). Thus, gestational alcohol affects pressure-induced uterine artery reactivity, inward-hypotrophic remodeling, and adaptations critical for nutrient delivery to the fetus.

Keywords: Alcohol; FASD; Pregnancy; Uterine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binge Drinking / complications
  • Binge Drinking / physiopathology*
  • Blood Pressure / physiology*
  • Ethanol / administration & dosage
  • Ethanol / toxicity*
  • Female
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Pregnancy
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Time Factors
  • Uterine Artery / drug effects
  • Uterine Artery / physiopathology*
  • Vasoconstriction / drug effects
  • Vasoconstriction / physiology*

Substances

  • Ethanol