Topic
Fetus
About: Fetus is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 21567 publications have been published within this topic receiving 646380 citations. The topic is also known as: foetus & fœtus.
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TL;DR: It is concluded that late gestational IUGR alters the reactivity and mechanical wall properties of coronary arteries and cardiomyocyte maturation in fetal sheep, which could have lifelong implications for cardiovascular function.
Abstract: There is now extensive evidence suggesting that intrauterine perturbations are linked with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Human epidemiological studies, supported by animal models, have demonstrated an association between low birth weight, a marker of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and adult cardiovascular disease. However, little is known of the early influence of IUGR on the fetal heart and vessels. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of late gestational IUGR on coronary artery function and cardiomyocyte maturation in the fetus. IUGR was induced by placental embolization in fetal sheep from 110 to 130 days of pregnancy (D110-130); term approximately D147; control fetuses received saline. At necropsy (D130), wire and pressure myography was used to test endothelial and smooth muscle function, and passive mechanical wall properties, respectively, in small branches of left descending coronary arteries. Myocardium was dissociated for histological analysis of cardiomyocytes. At D130, IUGR fetuses (2.7 +/- 0.1 kg) were 28% lighter than controls (3.7 +/- 0.3 kg; P = 0.02). Coronary arteries from IUGR fetuses had enhanced responsiveness to the vasoconstrictors, angiotensin II and the thromboxane analogue U46619, than controls (P < 0.01). Endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxations were not different between groups. Coronary arteries of IUGR fetuses were more compliant (P = 0.02) than those of controls. The incidence of cardiomyocyte binucleation was lower in the left ventricles of IUGR fetuses (P = 0.02), suggestive of retarded cardiomyocyte maturation. We conclude that late gestational IUGR alters the reactivity and mechanical wall properties of coronary arteries and cardiomyocyte maturation in fetal sheep, which could have lifelong implications for cardiovascular function.
132 citations
TL;DR: This case demonstrates that when fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma becomes very large early in gestation, high output cardiac failure can endanger both fetus and mother and intervention to prevent arteriovenous shunting through the tumor may offer these fetuses an improved chance for survival.
132 citations
TL;DR: The activity of the steroidogenic enzyme delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in fetal Leydig cells and plasma titers of testosterone are low in prenatally stressed males on days 18 and 19 of gestation, a time when both of these substances reach maximal levels in control males.
132 citations
TL;DR: The duration-dependent effects of prenatal stress on the development of fetal hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons, including corticotropin-releasing factor-containing neurons, are suggested, which may contribute to behavioral changes of the offspring after birth.
132 citations
TL;DR: The Tracheal Occlusion To Accelerate Lung growth trial is an international randomized trial investigating the role of fetal therapy for severe and moderate pulmonary hypoplasia and an apparent increase in survival following FETO.
Abstract: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) may be isolated or associated with other structural anomalies, the latter with poor prognosis. The defect allows viscera to herniate through the defect into the chest, competing for space with the developing lungs. At birth, pulmonary hypoplasia leads to respiratory insufficiency and persistent pulmonary hypertension that is lethal in up to 30% of patients. When isolated, survival chances can be predicted by antenatal measurement of lung size and liver herniation. Chromosomal microarrays and exome sequencing contribute to understanding genetic factors underlying isolated CDH. Prenatal intervention aims at stimulating lung development, clinically achieved by percutaneous fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) under local anesthesia. The Tracheal Occlusion To Accelerate Lung growth trial (www.totaltrial.eu) is an international randomized trial investigating the role of fetal therapy for severe and moderate pulmonary hypoplasia. Despite an apparent increase in survival following FETO, the search for lesser invasive and more potent prenatal interventions must continue.
132 citations