Uterine and mesenteric microvessel release of nitric oxide in an experimental model of rodent pre-eclampsia

• Grant number: 98/04506-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: December 01, 1998
• End date: November 30, 2000
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Jurandir Joao Dalle Lucca
• Grantee: Jurandir Joao Dalle Lucca
• Host Investigator: Nancy Lee Alsip
• Host Institution: Pessoa Física
• Institution abroad: University of Louisville (UofL), United States

Abstract

Pre-eclampsia is a syndrome that occurs in the second half of pregnancy and is marked by hypertension, proteinuria and edema. The only cure is the termination of pregnancy. Although the underlying cause is as yet unknown, it has been proposed tha't endothelial cell injury could play a role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. Our hypothesis is that pre-eclampsia is marked by endothelial dysfunction in the uterine microvasculature to release nitric oxide. This project will give us an insight on how uterine vasculature control mechanisms are altered by pregnancy and diseases of pregnancy, specifically regarding the nitric oxide activity during pregnancy and pre-eclampsia like condition. (AU)