Increased oxidative stress in a rat model of preeclampsia

Recent studies in women have indicated that preeclampsia is associated with increased oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of oxidative stress in mediating the hypertension in a rat model of preeclampsia produced by chronic reductions in uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP). Arterial pressure (AP) at day 19 of gestation was significantly higher in the RUPP rats (120±2 mmHg) as compared to normal pregnant rats (106±3 mmHg). Associated with the hypertension in RUPP rats were significant increases in placental levels of 8-isoprostane (1.93 ± 0.4 vs. 0.84 ± 0.1ng/gm tissue) and placental levels of malondialdehyde (6.96 ± 0.6 vs. 3.91± 0.4 umol/gm tissue). The increase in AP in response to reductions in uterine perfusion pressure in pregnant rats was completely abolished (112 ± 2 vs. 108±2 mmHg) by chronic administration of the SOD mimetic, tempol. In contrast, tempol had no effect on AP in normal pregnant rats. The results of this study indicate that an increase in oxidative stress may play an important role in mediating hypertension in response to chronic reductions in uterine perfusion pressure in pregnant rats. Am J Hypertens (2004) 17, 142A–142A; doi: 10.1016/j.amjhyper.2004.03.376