Effects of oxygenation and luminal flow on human placenta chorionic plate blood vessel function.

AIM

The human fetoplacental vasculature has been suggested to be a low resistance/high flow system, but the mechanisms by which this state is achieved are unclear.

METHODS

This study assessed the effects of intraluminal flow and local oxygenation on isolated human placental chorionic plate arteries and veins at term using pressure myography.

RESULTS

Chorionic plate arteries and veins exhibit myogenic tone. A small but significant arterial vasodilatation was observed following exposure to hypoxia; chorionic plate veins contracted to a similar hypoxic stimulus. Under physiological conditions of pressure and oxygenation, increased luminal flow induced contraction in both chorionic plate arteries and veins. [Correction added after online publication 15th November 2011: 'induced vasodilatation' has been changed to 'induced contraction']

CONCLUSIONS

Human fetoplacental vascular tone can be manipulated by local physical factors.