Effect of gestational diabetes on maternal artery function

Reprod Sci. 2011 Apr;18(4):342-52. doi: 10.1177/1933719110393029. Epub 2011 Jan 25.

Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction has been observed systemically in women with gestational diabetes (GDM). Important cardiovascular adaptations occur during pregnancy, including enhanced endothelium-dependent vasodilation in systemic and uterine arteries, which are necessary to ensure the health of both mother and fetus. The effects of GDM, however, on uterine artery function and the possible mechanisms that mediate endothelial dysfunction remain unknown. The aim of this study was to utilize a mouse model of GDM to investigate (a) effects on uteroplacental flow, (b) endothelial function of uterine and mesenteric arteries, and (c) possible mechanisms of any dysfunction observed. Pregnant mice heterozygous for a leptin receptor mutation (Lepr(db) (/+); He) spontaneously develop GDM and were compared to wild-type (WT) mice at day 18.5 of gestation. Uterine artery flow was assessed using ultrasound biomicroscopy. Uterine and mesenteric artery function was assessed using wire myography. Arterial superoxide production was measured using oxidative fluorescence microphotography. In vivo uteroplacental perfusion was impaired in mice with GDM, indicated by a significant increase in uterine artery resistance index. Maximal endothelium-dependent relaxation to methacholine was significantly impaired in mesenteric arteries from mice with GDM, while sensitivity was significantly reduced in uterine arteries. Both uterine and mesenteric arteries from mice with GDM exhibited a greater dependence on nitric oxide and increased superoxide production compared with those from mice with a healthy pregnancy. A significant source of superoxide in GDM mice was uncoupled nitric oxide synthase. These changes may contribute to the development of some of the fetal and maternal complication associated with GDM.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Body Weight
  • Diabetes, Gestational / diagnostic imaging
  • Diabetes, Gestational / genetics
  • Diabetes, Gestational / metabolism
  • Diabetes, Gestational / physiopathology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Laser-Doppler Flowmetry
  • Litter Size
  • Mesenteric Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Mesenteric Arteries / drug effects
  • Mesenteric Arteries / metabolism
  • Mesenteric Arteries / physiopathology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Microscopy, Acoustic
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Mutation
  • Myography
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Phenotype
  • Placental Circulation
  • Pregnancy
  • Receptors, Leptin / genetics
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Superoxides / metabolism
  • Uterine Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Uterine Artery / drug effects
  • Uterine Artery / metabolism
  • Uterine Artery / physiopathology*
  • Vascular Resistance
  • Vasodilation* / drug effects
  • Vasodilator Agents / pharmacology

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Receptors, Leptin
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • leptin receptor, mouse
  • Superoxides
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase