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