Bestatin results in pathophysiological changes similar to preeclampsia in rats via induction of placental apoptosis.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a rat preeclampsia model with fetoplacental growth restriction caused by bestatin via induction of placental apoptosis.

STUDY DESIGN

200 mg/kg/day of bestatin or saline as a control were infused intraperitoneally into pregnant Wistar rats from 15 days' gestation. In the first experiment, maternal blood pressure and proteinuria were examined during the pre- and postpartum periods. In the second experiment, cesarean sections were performed at 20 days' gestation and the weights of pups and placentas, and levels of proteinuria and placental apoptosis were examined.

RESULTS

Physiological decrease of blood pressure in late pregnancy was not detected in the bestatin group but proteinuria level at 20 days' gestation was elevated. The weights of pups and placentas in the bestatin group were significantly lower than those in the controls, bestatin strongly inducing apoptosis in the placenta.

CONCLUSION

Bestatin may cause a preeclampsia-like condition through induction of placental apoptosis.