Impact of experimental diabetes on the maternal uterine vascular remodeling during rat pregnancy.

Normal pregnancy is associated with an increase in uteroplacental blood flow in part due to growth and remodeling of the maternal uterine vasculature. In this study, we characterized the effect of diabetic pregnancy on vascular growth of the maternal uterine vasculature and on the passive mechanical properties of the uterine resistance arteries. Diabetes was induced in pregnant rats by injection of streptozotocin and confirmed by development of hyperglycemia.