Maternal Stress and Placental Vascular Function and Remodeling

Title:Maternal Stress and Placental Vascular Function and Remodeling

Volume: 11 Issue: 5

Author(s): Lawrence P. Reynolds, Kimberly A. Vonnahme, Caleb O. Lemley, Dale A. Redmer, Anna T. Grazul-Bilska, Pawel P. Borowicz and Joel S. Caton

Affiliation:

Keywords: Maternal stress, maternal nutrition, placenta, vascular function, vascular architecture, angiogenesis.

Abstract: This review discusses the importance of placental vascular development, as reflected by placental angiogenesis and placental blood flow, to placental function in normal pregnancies. We then summarize our current understanding of how maternal stress, including inadequate maternal nutrition as well as the application of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), leads to compromised placental angiogenesis and function and the subsequent effects on fetal and neonatal growth and development. Finally, we discuss several promising therapeutic approaches to ‘rescue’ placental vascular development and function in compromised pregnancies, leading to improved pregnancy and postnatal outcomes.

Cite this article as:

Reynolds P. Lawrence, Vonnahme A. Kimberly, Lemley O. Caleb, Redmer A. Dale, Grazul-Bilska T. Anna, Borowicz P. Pawel and Caton S. Joel, Maternal Stress and Placental Vascular Function and Remodeling, Current Vascular Pharmacology 2013; 11 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570161111311050003