Abstract
The contribution of various factors to the release and high level of vasopressin(VP)by the fetus during hypoxic stress were examined in 27 chronically instrumented fetal lambs,118 to 135 days gestational age. They were exposed to: a)30 minutes administration of 10% O2 to the pregnant ewe (H):b) 20 minutes partial occlusion of the umbilical cord(POC); or,c) 2minutes complete occlusion of the umbilical cord(COC). The change in fetal arterial blood pressure and plasma composition were:
These results indicate that osmolality is probably not a major factor in the release of VP under hypoxic stress. While hypoxemia alone does stimulate VP release, the higher VP levels following POC compared to H indicate that other factors leading to acidemia may also contribute. The rapid rise of plasma VP following 2 min. of COC during which the placental bed is temporarily excluded from the fetal circulation suggests that the placenta plays an important role in metabolism of the hormone. The large increase in BP could also be important in stimulating release of the hormone.
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Daniel, S., Stark, R., Zubrow, A. et al. 399 FACTORS IN THE RELEASE OF VASOPRESSIN BY THE FETUS DURING HYPOXIC STRESS. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 506 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00410
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00410