Local Cold Stress to the Soles Induces Retroplacental Hemorrhage in Rats

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of local cold stress to the soles on placental histology in rats. Pregnant rats were subjected to a cold provocation (0°C, 12°C) and room temperature (23°C) for 15 and 30 minutes. During cold stimulation and at the control temperature, uterine blood flow and uterine contraction were measured simultaneously. Histological studies of the placentas of these rats were also performed. Cold stress at 0°C and 12°C significantly decreased uterine blood flow (P < .005, P < .02) compared with controls (23°C). The decrease in uterine blood flow was greater at 0°C than at 12°C stress. Cold-induced stress (0°C) also evoked an isometric tension with increased frequency and amplitude in the rat uterus (P < .003, P < .0002) compared with controls (23°C). Stimulation at 12°C did not induce any uterine contractions. Placental histology of rats stressed at 0°C revealed hemorrhages into the decidua basalis. These findings suggest that local cold stress decreases uterine blood flow and increases uterine contraction, resulting in retroplacental hemorrhage in rats. This model may account for human abruptio placentae.

KEYWORD

Localized cold stimulation - placental histology - sympathetic nerve - uterine blood flow - uterine contraction

REFERENCES

• 1 Spinillo A, Capuzzo E, Colonna L. Factors associated with abruptio placentae in preterm deliveries.  Acta Obstet Gynaecol Scand . 1994;  73 307-312
• 2 Sher G. Pathogenesis and management of uterine inertia complicating abruptio placentae with consumption coagulopathy.  Am J Obstet Gynecol . 1977;  129 164-170
• 3 Saftlas A E, Olson D R, Atrash H K. National trends in the incidence of abruptio placentae, 1979-1987.  Obstet Gynecol . 1991;  78 1081-1086
• 4 DeCherney A H, Pernoll M L. Current Obstetrics and Gynecologic Diagnosis and Treatment. Premature Separation of the Placenta (Abruptio Placentae, Ablatio Placentae, Accidental Hemorrhage) 8th ed. Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange 1992: 400-404
• 5 Converse Jr L R, Jacobsen T N, Toto R D. Sympathetic overactivity in patients with chronic renal failure.  N Engl J Med . 1992;  327 1912-1918
• 6 Daly P A, Landsberg L. Hypertension in obesity and NIDDM. Role of insulin and sympathetic nervous system.  Diabetes Care . 1991;  14 240-248
• 7 Schobel H P, Fischer T, Heuszer K. Preeclampsia-a state of sympathetic overactivity.  N Engl J Med . 1996;  335 1480-1485
• 8 Scrogin K E, Hatton D C, Chi Y. Chronic nitric oxide inhibition with L-NAME: effects on autonomic control of the cardiovascular system.  Am J Physiol . 1998;  274 R367-R374
• 9 Hines E A, Brown G E. The cold pressor test for measuring the reactability of the blood pressure: data concerning 571 normal and hypertensive subjects.  Am Heart J . 1936;  11 1-9
• 10 Milne B. Lower body nerve stretch: a role in essential hypertension or pre-eclampsia?.  Med Hypotheses . 1996;  47 333-335
• 11 Cavanagh D, Rao P S, Tsai C C. Experimental toxemia in the pregnant primate.  Am J Obstet Gynecol . 1977;  128 75-85
• 12 Coombs C A, Kart M A, Kitzmiller J L. Experimental preeclampsia produced by constriction of the lower aorta: validation with longitudinal blood pressure measurements in conscious rhesus monkeys.  Am J Obstet Gynecol . 1993;  169 215-223
• 13 Meekins J W, Pijnenborg R, Hanssens M. A study of placental bed spiral arteries and trophoblast invasion in normal and severe preeclampsia.  Br J Obstet Gynaecol . 1994;  101 669-674
• 14 Zhou Y, Chiu K, Brescia R J. Increased depth of trophoblast invasion after chronic constriction of lower aorta in rhesus monkey.  Am J Obstet Gynecol . 1993;  169 224-229
• 15 Kanayama N, Tsujimura R, She L. Cold-induced stress stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing hypertension and proteinuria in rats.  J Hypertens . 1997;  15 383-389
• 16 Belayet H M, Kanayama N, Khatun S. Decreased renal and hepatic blood flow with pre-eclampsia-like histologic changes was obtained by stimulation of the celiac ganglion with LPS.  Am J Perinatol . 1998;  15 109-114
• 17 Machino H, Kobayashi H, Hayashi K. Nitric oxide is involved in the inhibitory action of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-OP) on proximal colonic motility.  Regul Pept . 1997;  69 47-52
• 18 Naeye R L, Harkness W L, Utts J. Abruptio placentae and perinatal death: a prospective study.  Am J Obstet Gynecol . 1997;  128 740-746
• 19 Valera E D. Abruptio placentae.  Am J Obstet Gynecol . 1968;  100 599-606
• 20 Zhang L, Pearce W, Longo L D. Noradrenaline-mediated contractions of ovine uterine artery: role of inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate.  Eur J Pharmacol . 1995;  289 375-382
• 21 Rocha L RM, Calixto S L, Ladosky W. Hormonal influence on the response of the uterus of the Brazilian marsupial Didelphis albiventris to adrenergic drugs.  Gen Comp Endocrinol . 1985;  58 179-185
• 22 Borell U, Fernstrom I, Ohlson L. Influence of uterine contractions on the uteroplacental blood flow at term.  Am J Obstet Gynecol . 1965;  93 45-57
• 23 Eskes T A B K. Abruptio placentae. A ``classic'' dedicated to Elizabeth Ramsey.  Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol . 1997;  75 63-70
• 24 Sherer D M, D'Amico M L, Warshal D P. Recurrent mild abruptio placentae occurring immediately after repeated electroconvulsive therapy in pregnancy.  Am J Obstet Gynecol . 1991;  165 652-653