title: Effects of placental protein 13 on the cardiovascular system in gravid and non-gravid rodents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Here, we performed a pathophysiological examination of the vascular function of rodent in the presence of placental protein 13 (PP13) and its implication to regulate the development of preeclampsia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Single i.v. injection and prolonged in vivo exposure to PP13 via osmotic pumps were performed in gravid and non-gravid rats to examine the influence of PP13 on blood pressure and heart rate in animals. The effect of PP13 was also examined in isolated uterine and mesenteric arteries, along with the examination of placental blood supply.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Human PP13 has a major impact on the maternal cardiovascular system of rodents by reducing blood pressure, either at single or prolonged exposure, and causing significant vasodilatation in isolated arteries. Prolonged exposure was followed by increased elaboration and angiogenesis of the uteroplacental arteries supplying the placenta.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first study describing effects of PP13 on vasodilatation and uterine artery remodeling. The results imply that PP13 may have a physiological role in improving uteroplacental blood flow. The findings of this study make it tempting to speculate that keeping PP13 levels within a certain 'therapeutic window' during pregnancy may facilitate proper adaptation of the maternal vasculature to pregnancy.
authors: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland. sveinbj@hi.is
authors: Sveinbjorn
authors: S
authors: Gizurarson
authors: Berthold
authors: B
authors: Huppertz
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Osol
authors: Jon Olafur
authors: JO
authors: Skarphedinsson
authors: Maurizio
authors: M
authors: Mandala
authors: Hamutal
authors: H
authors: Meiri
mesh_terms: D061605:Administration, Intravenous; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D037161:Galectins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D055104:Infusions, Subcutaneous; D008638:Mesenteric Arteries / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D021041:Placental Circulation / Q000187:drug effects; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D055988:Uterine Artery / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D037161:Galectins; C038195:LGALS13 protein, human; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins