Low dose alcohol contracts the human umbilical artery in vitro.
Beginning at very low concentrations (0.001 g/100 ml), alcohol elicited dose-dependent contractions of the human umbilical artery in vitro. Additionally, 16 of the 108 arteries tested had a 5-10-min spasm in response to alcohol. Alcohol (0.2 g/100 ml) also increased tension developed in response to all angiotensin II doses, but had no effect on serotonin-induced contractions. These results suggest that alcohol may increase umbilicoplacental resistance in vivo, thus decreasing fetal-placental blood flow.
Savoy-Moore
R T
RT
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University/Hutzel Hospital, Detroit, Michigan 48201.
Dombrowski
M P
MP
Cheng
A
A
Abel
E A
EA
Sokol
R J
RJ
D046508:Culture Techniques; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects*; D014469:Umbilical Arteries / Q000187:drug effects; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects*
D000431:Ethanol