Pathogenesis of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertensive Disorders A Review of Experimental Animal Models

Abstract

A review is given concerning animal models of pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders. Effects are described of uteroplacental ischemia, manipulation of nutrition, manipulation of prostaglandin synthesis and of the immune system. Although placental ischemia can induce major symptoms like hypertension and proteinuria, it cannot be concluded from the experiments to be a primary phenomenon in the pathogenesis of pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders. Production of prostaglandins can be influenced by dietary manipulation and prostaglandins appear to be important mediators in the regulation of blood pressure and blood flow during pregnancy. Experimental data are described supporting a potential role of immunologic processes in the pathogenesis of pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders.