Reid D L, Neaves N, Slotten P, Phernetton T M, Rankin J H
University of Wisconsin Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Madison 53715.
J Dev Physiol. 1989 Jan;11(1):11-4.
Antipyrine has recently been shown to decrease prostaglandin production in mature fetuses. Prostaglandins are important in the regulation of blood flow, and electrocortical state has been shown to influence regional blood flows. To assess the effect of antipyrine on blood flow, it is important to take electrocortical state into account. We therefore examined the effect of antipyrine infusion on placental, renal, and cerebral blood flow during periods of high and low voltage electrocortical activity. Six mature sheep fetuses were equipped with electrodes for determination of electrocortical state. Intravascular catheters were inserted into the fetal forelimb and hindlimb arteries and vein and an additional catheter was placed in the maternal femoral artery. After a five day recovery period, pressures were recorded and electrocorticogram was monitored for 3 full cycles of electrocortical activity. Antipyrine infusion (30 mg.min-1) was then started. After 1 h, blood flow measurements were made by microsphere method in the first 5 min of each subsequent electrocortical state for the next three full cycles. Blood flows are expressed as ml.min-1 per g (mean +/- SEM). Cerebral blood flow was 1.587 +/- 0.272 during low and 1.209 +/- 0.171 during high voltage periods (P less than 0.05). Placental blood flow was 2.103 +/- 0.294 during low and 2.047 +/- 0.325 during high voltage electrocortical activity. Renal blood flow was 2.394 +/- 0.330 during low and 2.360 +/- 0.386 during high voltage periods of electrocortical activity. Blood pressure was 50.8 +/- 1.8 mmHg during low and 52.8 +/- 2.3 mmHg during periods of high voltage activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
