Abstract
Feto-maternal vascular (PD(F-M)) and amniotic-maternal (PD(A-M)) potential differences were measured simultaneously on seven occasions in six conscious pigs of 100-106 days gestation. Resting values of PD(F-M) and PD(A-M) were not significantly different although the range was wide. Fetal intravascular injection of 20 μg adrenaline, but not of saline, was associated with a prompt reversible change, of equal magnitude, in both PD(F-M) and PD(A-M). In some experiments polarity was reversed. Feto-amniotic potential difference did not change. There was no change in fetal plasma K+ and Na+ concentrations. Because of the simultaneous and equal alterations in PD(F-M) and PD(A-M) following adrenaline and the anatomical configuration of the pig conceptus, we conclude that the catecholamine modifiable component of PD(F-M) is generated by electrogenesis in the pig placenta, probably by its chorionic (trophoblastic) cell layer.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 361-370 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Experimental Physiology |
Volume | 83 |
Issue number | 3 |
Publication status | Published - May 1998 |
Keywords
- Animals
- Electrophysiology
- pharmacology: Epinephrine
- Female
- metabolism: Fetal Blood
- physiology: Fetus
- Injections
- Osmolar Concentration
- blood: Potassium
- Pregnancy
- physiology: Pregnancy, Animal
- blood: Sodium
- pharmacology: Sodium Chloride
- Swine