title: The influence of maternal protein deficiency on the placental transfer of salicylate in rats.
abstract: 1 The influence of a low protein diet (5% as compared with a control 21% protein diet) on the placental transfer of sodium salicylate was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats on day 20 of gestation. 2 Maternal plasma salicylate concentrations (assayed by high pressure liquid chromatography) were generally lower in protein-deficient than in control animals at a wide range of times (0.25 - 12 h) and dose levels (2 - 250 mg/kg, i.v.); however, foetal plasma salicylate levels in the two groups of animals did not differ. 3 The placental transfer of salicylate as indicated by the ratio of foetal plasma or foetal liver to maternal plasma salicylic acid concentration was consistently and significantly greater in the protein-deficient group than in the control group of animals following the administration of the drug to the mother as well as to the foetus. 4 A decrease in calorie without a concomitant decrease in protein intake (pair-fed controls) did not alter the placental transfer of salicylate. 5 The increased placental transfer of salicylate in protein-deficient animals could not be attributed to changes in serum protein-salicylate binding. 6 It is suggested that the pharmacokinetic factors responsible for maintaining a lower level of salicylate in the foetus than in the mother are impaired by maternal malnutrition, and this may increase the foetal effects of maternally ingested salicylate.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000378:metabolism; D011485:Protein Binding; D011488:Protein Deficiency / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012459:Salicylates / Q000378:metabolism*; D020156:Salicylic Acid; D013997:Time Factors; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D001798:Blood Proteins; D012459:Salicylates; D020156:Salicylic Acid