Maternal and fetal tissue PO2 in the pregnant ewe measured with galvanic PO2 electrodes.
Galvanic PO2 electrodes housed in an acrylic disc 1 cm. in diameter have been implanted in maternal and fetal tissues in the pregnant ewe at 109 to 140 days gestation. Of the 102 electrodes implanted, 52% maintained reasonably acceptable calibration values when recovered from the tissues after implantation periods ranging from one to 73 days. Basal tissue PO2 values were generally less than 10 mmHg in the fetus. Physiologic fluctuations (decreases) in fetal tissue PO2 observed at regular intervals during the last one-third of gestation, coincided with a decrease in maternal uterine PO2 and an increase in amniotic fluid pressure and were attributed to uterine contractions.
D000818:Animals; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009132:Muscles / Q000378:metabolism; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal; D012756:Sheep; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism
D004837:Epinephrine