Grant: Operating Grant

Intrauterine fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia are serious diseases of pregnancy. Babies who are born too small are said to suffer from intrauterine growth restriction. When women get pre-eclampsia they develop high blood pressure during their pregnancy and their kidneys malfunction. Babies who are born too small or of women afflicted with pre-eclampsia can suffer from many immediate health problems. These problems include breathing and feeding difficulties. Women and babies who survive these complications of pregnancy are prone to developing heart disease later in life. Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments for these pregnancy disorders. We propose that an abnormal inflammatory response in the mother causes fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. A hypothesis is that this abnormal maternal inflammation leads to restriction in the flow of maternal blood to the placenta. This restriction in blood flow to the placenta is important for the development of these disorders of pregnancy. Using a rat model, we will test this concept and will explore potential therapies. If we can prevent fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia we may also be able to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.