Effect of experimental hyperthyroidism induced in female rats during pregnancy in the components of cardiac Renin-Angiotensin System of the offspring.

Author(s)

Caroline Emy Rodrigues Shibata

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2011-02-25

Examining board members

Maria Luiza Morais Barreto de Chaves; Joel Claudio Heimann; Egberto Gaspar Moura

• Advisor: Maria Luiza Morais Barreto de Chaves

Abstract

During normal gestation, the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) exerts an important role in salt balance, blood pressure and water homeostasis and, consequently, in the welfare of mother and fetus. In this sense, it is important to highlight both the classic RAS (initially described as a purely endocrine system), and the local RAS, in this case, the uteroplacental RAS, where the different components of this system in maternal and fetal tissues behave differently, under local regulation and stimuli. The disruption of uteroplacental RAS can cause bleeding and reduced blood flow between mother and fetus and may lead to pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Its well known that thyroid dysfunction, as occurs in hyperthyroidism, promotes deep changes in cardiovascular system, by acting on cardiac contractility, cardiac output, blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance. Moreover, hyperthyroidism is responsible for important alterations in the expression of distinct components of RAS, which are, in turn, involved with the onset of cardiovascular changes. Thus, the RAS is under direct influence of plasma levels of thyroid hormones and seems to play an important role in the modulation of cardiac tropism induced by these hormones. Although the association between these two endocrine systems have already been observed in adult individuals, the knowledge about this interaction during the critical period of cardiovascular development where the heart is an important target of the action of these two hormonal systems is still poor. Considering the information given above, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of hyperthyroidism in the RAS components on the offspring during the gestational period, considering that this disease is highly prevalent in pregnant women and its consequences upon the cardiovascular system of the offspring are largely unknown. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/02923-3 - Effect of experimental hyperthyroidism, induced in female rats during pregnancy, in the components of Renin-Angiotensin System in offspring.
• Grantee: Caroline Emy Rodrigues Shibata
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master