The role of the heme catabolic pathway in pregnancy

Daniel S. Seidman*, David K. Sttvensor, Dominique K. Kelly, Phyllis A. Dennery

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Heme oxygenase (HO) catalyzes the conversion of heme to biliruhin and carbon monoxide (CO). The heme degradation pathway may affect the uteroplacental circulation since CO, similarly to nitric oxide (NO), can activate guanylate cyclase. This results in inhibition of platelet aggregation and relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the activity and expression of HO at different stages of gestation in a pregnant rat model. STUDY DESIGN: Amnion, uterine and placental tissues were obtained from Wistar rats at 16, 19 and 21 days of pregnancy. Uterine tisstie was also obtained on the 1st day postpartum. Total HO activity was determined by measuring CO production with gas chromatography. HO-1 protein levels were assessed by Western analysis. HO-1 mRNA levels were assessed by Northern hybridization and normalized to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase. RESULTS: HO Activiu (nmoles CO/hr/mg protein). Mean ±SE. (n 3 in each group) Day of P>.tfjuutn Prrgnann: 16 IV 21 Day I Placenta 0.67 ±0.17* 0.38 ±0.09* 1.23 ±0.08 N/A Amnion 0.79 ±0.09* 0.65 ±0.07* 2.55 ±0.25 N/A Uterus 0.49 ±O.Olt 0.66 ±0.09 0.63 ±O.llf 1.14 ±.17 * p < 0.05 vs Dav 21; tp < 0.05 vs Day 22; N/A: not applicable CONCLUSION: During pregnancv. total HO activity increased at the end of gestation in all tissues analyzed. These data support a possible role for HO metabolic reactions in the maintenance of the lowered vascular tone during pregnancy. We speculate that CO modulates the tneroplarental circulation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S103
JournalActa Diabetologica Latina
Volume176
Issue number1 PART II
StatePublished - 1997
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of the heme catabolic pathway in pregnancy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this