The role of placental growth factor in regulating fetal brain vascular development

Objectives: Maternal plasma in many pre-eclamptic (PE) pregnancies is low in the placenta product “placental growth factor” (PGF). Offspring of PE compared to uncomplicated pregnancies show higher blood pressure, cognitive impairment and stroke. However, mechanisms explaining these differences are undefined. Our studies of Pgf-/- mice indicate that PGF deficiency reduces decidual vessel branching and connectivity. We aimed to determine if PGF deficiency diminishes brain vascular development, impairs cognition and elevates stroke risk.
Source: Placenta - Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tags: Frontmatter Source Type: research