Gender-specific effect of overexpression of sFlt-1 in pregnant mice on fetal programming of blood pressure in the offspring later in life

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether fetal programming of adult blood pressure is altered in a previously characterized mouse model of preeclampsia that was induced by sFlt-1.

Study Design

CD-1 mouse mothers at day 8 of gestation were injected with an adenovirus carrying Flt 1-3 (10⁹ plaque-forming units) or with an adenovirus carrying mFc as control (10⁹ plaque-forming units). The resulting pups were followed until 6 months of age, at which time blood pressure (BP) was recorded continuously for 6 days. The offspring weight was also recorded from weaning until adulthood.

Results

BP was significantly higher in the male offspring that were born to sFlt-1–treated mothers compared with the controls. Male offspring from sFlt-1–treated mothers were significantly smaller from weaning until adulthood. However, there were no significant differences in BP and postweaning weight in female offspring between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the role of the intrauterine environment in the developmental origin of adult disease.

Key words: CD-1 mice, preeclampsia, sFlt-1, fetal programming, developmental origin