A comprehensive understanding of the control of amniotic fluid volume is of major clinical importance. We have identified a vascular pathway within the fetal membranes and fetal surface of the placenta for fluid and solute exchange between the amniotic compartment and fetal blood. This pathway is an important determinant of amniotic fluid volume. Recently, we found expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the amnion and chorion, and this expression is increased under conditions of enhanced intramembranous absorption. We hypothesize that VEGF is the key regulator of this absorption and factors that stimulate VEGF gene expression in the membranes are important mediators of amniotic fluid volume regulation. In this application, we propose to explore the source and identity of the VEGF stimulatory factors that are activated by blockade of fetal swallowing or fetal hypoxia, conditions that augment intramembranous absorption. The potential factors include PGE2, EGF, TGF, PAP and PDGF derived from the fetal membranes or fetal kidneys. Pregnant sheep will be used as the animal model.
In specific aim 1, we propose to determine which factors in the amniotic fluid or fetal urine are induced by fetal esophageal ligation and whether the kidneys or the membranes are the source of the factors. The effect of the factors on VEGF mRNA and protein expression in amnion cells will be examined.
Specific aim 2 proposes to investigate the role of PGE2 and growth factors on the hypoxic induction of VEGF gene expression in the fetal membranes. The effect of hypoxia on concentration of these factors in the amniotic fluid and fetal urine will be determined. Whether these factors contribute to the hypoxic induction of VEGF will be tested in amnion cells.
In specific aim 3, we propose to examine the regulation of expression and function of the VEGF receptor KDR in amnion cells. The effects of VEGF on KDR mRNA and protein expression in the cells will be explored. The ability of VEGF to stimulate amnion cell proliferation and increase permeability of the amnion/chorin will be delineated. Overall, we will test the hypothesis that augmented intramembranous absorption is caused by up-regulation of VEGF gene expression in the fetal membranes. This is induced by factors in the amniotic fluid that are activated by fetal esophageal ligation or hypoxia. Results from these studies will promote understanding of amniotic fluid volume regulation, and provide important information for diagnosis and management of amniotic fluid disorders in human pregnancy.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HD033054-05
Application #
6621158
Study Section
Human Embryology and Development Subcommittee 1 (HED)
Program Officer
Ilekis, John V
Project Start
2002-01-21
Project End
2004-12-31
Budget Start
2003-01-01
Budget End
2003-12-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$205,200
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California San Diego
Department
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
804355790
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92093
Cheung, Cecilia Y; Li, Sumin; Chen, Dongbao et al. (2010) Regulation of caveolin-1 expression and phosphorylation by VEGF in ovine amnion cells. Reprod Sci 17:1112-9
Cheung, Cecilia Y; Brace, Robert A (2008) Hypoxia modulation of caveolin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor in ovine fetal membranes. Reprod Sci 15:469-76
Brace, Robert A; Cheung, Cecilia Y (2005) Pre-delivery changes in amniotic fluid volume and composition in sheep. J Soc Gynecol Investig 12:396-401
Adams, Elizabeth A; Choi, Hyung Min; Cheung, Cecilia Y et al. (2005) Comparison of amniotic and intramembranous unidirectional permeabilities in late-gestation sheep. Am J Obstet Gynecol 193:247-55
Cheung, Cecilia Y (2004) Vascular endothelial growth factor activation of intramembranous absorption: a critical pathway for amniotic fluid volume regulation. J Soc Gynecol Investig 11:63-74
Brace, Robert A; Cheung, Cecilia Y (2004) Amniotic fluid volume responses to amnio-infusion of amniotic fluid versus lactated Ringer's solution in fetal sheep. J Soc Gynecol Investig 11:363-8
Cheung, Cecilia Y; Bogic, Ljubica; Gagnon, Robert et al. (2004) Morphologic alterations in ovine placenta and fetal liver following induced severe placental insufficiency. J Soc Gynecol Investig 11:521-8
Daneshmand, Sean S; Cheung, Cecilia Y; Brace, Robert A (2003) Regulation of amniotic fluid volume by intramembranous absorption in sheep: role of passive permeability and vascular endothelial growth factor. Am J Obstet Gynecol 188:786-93
Matsumoto, Larry C; Bogic, Ljubica; Brace, Robert A et al. (2002) Prolonged hypoxia upregulates vascular endothelial growth factor messenger RNA expression in ovine fetal membranes and placenta. Am J Obstet Gynecol 186:303-10
Bogic, L V; Brace, R A; Cheung, C Y (2001) Developmental expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors and VEGF binding in ovine placenta and fetal membranes. Placenta 22:265-75

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