Enhanced thromboxane synthesis during chronic reductions in uterine perfusion pressure in pregnant rats.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the role of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) in a conscious, chronically instrumented rat model of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) produced by chronic reductions in uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP).

Methods: Mean arterial pressure (MAP), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and 24-h urinary excretion of TXB2 (metabolite of TXA2) were determined in normal pregnant rats and RUPP pregnant rats.

Results: At day 20 of pregnancy, RUPP rats showed a significantly (P < .