Abstract
In preeclampsia, it is believed that widespread endothelial dysfunction leads to reduced placental perfusion and increased oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide (O2-), nitric oxide (NO), and peroxynitrite (ONOO-). Our lab has previously established a colony of transgenic mice that do not express catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT-/-). COMT produces 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME), a potent vasodilator that is normally increased in pregnancy. Pregnant COMT-/- mice exhibit a phenotype similar to the one observed in preeclampsia. We hypothesize that COMT-/- mice have a decreased tolerance to prenatal hypoxic insults, characterized by an increase in placental oxidative stress when compared to control (C57) mice exposed to similar conditions.
Highlights
In preeclampsia, it is believed that widespread endothelial dysfunction leads to reduced placental perfusion and increased oxidative stress
We hypothesize that COMT-/- mice have a decreased tolerance to prenatal hypoxic insults, characterized by an increase in placental oxidative stress when compared to control (C57) mice exposed to similar conditions
No significant differences in placental levels of superoxide were observed among experimental groups
Summary
It is believed that widespread endothelial dysfunction leads to reduced placental perfusion and increased oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide (O2-), nitric oxide (NO), and peroxynitrite (ONOO-). Our lab has previously established a colony of transgenic mice that do not express catechol-Omethyl transferase (COMT-/-). COMT produces 2methoxyestradiol (2-ME), a potent vasodilator that is normally increased in pregnancy. Pregnant COMT-/mice exhibit a phenotype similar to the one observed in preeclampsia. We hypothesize that COMT-/- mice have a decreased tolerance to prenatal hypoxic insults, characterized by an increase in placental oxidative stress when compared to control (C57) mice exposed to similar conditions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
