The feto-placental endothelium in pregnancy pathologies

Wien Med Wochenschr. 2012 May;162(9-10):220-4. doi: 10.1007/s10354-012-0075-2.

Abstract

This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the aspects of endothelial and vascular dysfunction in the feto-placental vasculature occurring in pregnancy pathologies. This endothelium is continuous with the fetal circulation. Its function and potential dysfunction in pathologies will have a profound impact on fetal development. Gestational diabetes mellitus represents one of these pathologies, in which its associated metabolic derangements will alter feto-placental endothelial functions. These, in turn, may result in functional changes of the placenta, which may entail impaired fetal development. By contrast, changes in the feto-placental vasculature observed in cases of fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia may be causative (fetal growth restriction) or secondary (preeclampsia) for the pathology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes, Gestational / physiopathology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange / physiology*
  • Placenta / blood supply
  • Pre-Eclampsia / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / physiopathology*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / physiology
  • Vascular Resistance / physiology

Substances

  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1