Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Spontaneous pregnancy loss (SPL) is a devastating complication that affects approximately 30% of all pregnant women. Though these losses can occur for a variety of reasons, SPL is often associated with abnormal maternal inflammation, as revealed by increased circulating levels of pro-inflammatory molecules. There is also evidence that pregnancy complications, including SPL, are linked to alterations in maternal blood flow to the placenta. We hypothesize that abnormal maternal inflammation is causally linked to altered maternal blood delivery leading to fetal loss. Specifically, we propose that increases in circulating pro-inflammatory molecules cause constriction of the blood vessels supplying the placenta. The first objective will be to determine whether aberrant maternal inflammation (induced by the injection of a single dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) will alter the vascular response of the maternal arteries in pregnant rats. We will also determine whether the LPS-induced vascular response can be prevented by treating pregnant rats with inhibitors of inflammation. To achieve these objectives, we will use various imaging techniques including ultrasound technology to visualize and measure the maternal arteries and fetuses. The results of this study will improve our understanding of the mechanisms related to abnormal maternal inflammation associated with pregnancy loss and may reveal potential treatment options to help women experiencing adverse pregnancies.