Publication: Time-dependent effects of maternal continuous propranolol on fetal lung development in rats
Authors
Smith, Dennis M. ; Sommers Smith, Sally K.
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Publisher
Murcia : F. Hernández
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DOI
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info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Description
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated a role for
the beta-adrenergic system in the maturation of the fetal
alveolar epithelium. Chronic blockade of beta-adrenergic
binding sites has been shown to adversely ef f e c t
p hysiologic and biochemical indices of fetal lung
maturation. In the present study timed-pregnant female
Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with a continuous 0.5
mg/hr dose of propranolol HCl, or saline, via an osmotic
pump. The treatment periods were days 18-21, or 20-23
of gestation. Fetal body weights were obtained, and the
morphology of the fetal lungs studied by light and
electron microscopy. Cytoplasmic volume densities of
lamellar inclusion bodies and glycogen within
d eveloping type II alveolar epithelial cells were also
determined. In addition, total phospholipids (as
phosphorus) and glycogen content were determined
b i o c h e m i c a l l y. The fetuses from females treated from
day 20-23 demonstrated no differences between salinetreated
and propranolol-treated groups, in either fetal
weight or the morphologic appearance of the developing
lung. In contrast, the fetuses from mothers treated from
day 18-21 with propranolol were significantly smaller,
and their lungs appeared less mature than saline-treated
counterparts. The glycogen content of developing type II
alveolar epithelial cells was significantly more abundant
(as judged by stereologic and biochemical analyses) in the propranolol-treated fetuses. In addition, total
phospholipids were decreased in the propranolol-treated
21-day fetuses. The results of the present study suggest
that the development of the alveolar epithelium is
s e n s i t ive to continuous beta-adrenergic blockade by
propranolol during a critical time late in gestation.
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