Influence of NeuroEPO on the fetal-placental development of rats in a model of placental insufficiency

Abstract

Introduction: Placental insufficiency is the most common cause of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). This condition requires new strategies that will make it possible to reduce hypoxia and fetal-placental malnutrition. There is evidence that NeuroEPO manages to protect tissues in hypoxia. Objective: To assess the influence of NeuroEPO on feto-placental development in rats with placental insufficiency. Material and Methods: Wistar rats gestated with a model of unilateral ligation of the right uterine artery on day 16 of gestation (GA) were used. That same day, half of the mothers were randomly administered NeuroEPO (0.5 mg/kg/day subcutaneously for three days) and the rest received placebo. On day 20EG, the fetoplacental unit was extracted. According to the ligated horn, four groups were formed: A Control I group, an IUGR I group, a NeuroEPO II Control group, and a NeuroEPO II IUGR group. Reproductive variables, growth variables and histological studies in the placentas were evaluated. Results: Reproductive variables did not vary between the linked groups; the IUGR group presented a decrease in fetal weight, an insufficient placenta with an increase in the area of the union zone and a decrease in the exchange zone. The labyrinth presented fewer areas of fetal blood vessels with more trophoblast cells. In the IUGR group with NeuroEPO, fetal weight increased, although the weight was not similar to the control group. The rest of the placental variables were similar to the control. Conclusions: The administration of NeuroEPO allowed better development of the fetus and its placenta, possibly due to the cytoprotective effects of this molecule.

Keywords

• hipoxia fetal, insuficiencia placentaria, eritropoyetina.