Effect of ritodrine on uteroplacental blood flow and cardiac output distribution in unanesthetized pregnant guinea pigs.

The effects of ritodrine, 15 micrograms X min-1 X kg-1 infused intravenously for 2 hours, on cardiac output distribution and uteroplacental blood flow were investigated in 10 chronically catheterized guinea pigs between 57 and 63 days of pregnancy. Ritodrine produced an average 29% increase in cardiac output, three quarters of which was distributed to the carcass and myocardium. Absolute placental blood flow decreased by 10%, and the placental fraction of cardiac output decreased by one third. Uteroplacental vascular resistance increased by 41% during ritodrine infusion. The proportional changes in placental blood flow were positively correlated and those in placental vascular resistance negatively correlated with the change in cardiac output.