AMP-activated protein kinase activator AICAR attenuates hypoxia-induced murine fetal growth restriction in part by improving uterine artery blood flow.

ABSTRACT:

Key points

Pregnancy at high altitude is associated with a greater incidence of fetal growth restriction due, in part, to lesser uterine artery blood flow. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation vasodilates arteries and may increase uterine artery blood flow. In this study, pharmacological activation of AMPK by the drug AICAR improved fetal growth and elevated uterine artery blood flow. These results suggest that AMPK activation is a potential strategy for improving fetal growth and raising uterine artery blood flow in pregnancy, which may be important in pregnancy disorders characterized by uteroplacental ischaemia and/or fetal hypoxia.

Abstract

Uteroplacental hypoxia is associated with pregnancy disorders such as intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia, wh

SUBMITTER: Lane SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7749723 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature