Relaxin improves blood pressure and fetal growth restriction in a murine model of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor-induced hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

抄録

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of relaxin (RLX) on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) using a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor-induced HDP murine model.

Methods: Pregnant C57BL/6NCrSlc mice were divided into three groups at 6 days post coitum (dpc). The control group (control) received saline by subcutaneous injection at 6–10 dpc. The NOS inhibitor group (L-NAME) received 50 mg/kg/day L-NG-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) by subcutaneous injection at 6–10 dpc. The RLX combination group (L-NAME+RLX) received the same dose of L-NAME plus 0.5 μg/g/day human relaxin-2 by subcutaneous injection at 6–10 dpc. Maternal systolic blood pressure (SBP) and urinary protein were assessed at 16 dpc. At 17 dpc, fetal weight was recorded, and placentas, maternal serum, and kidneys were collected.

Results: Maternal SBP and fetal weight were improved in L-NAME+RLX mice compared with L-NAME mice. No significant differences were observed in abortion rate, urinary protein, placental weight, serum placental growth factor concentration, and glomerular open capillary area.

Conclusion: RLX improved maternal SBP and FGR, suggesting that RLX may be a candidate drug for prophylaxis of HDP with FGR.