Publications by authors named "Nicola K Hudson"
Maternal endothelial activation in pre-eclampsia is attributed to the release of unknown factors from a hypoperfused placenta. To further characterize these factors, we have used a serum-free placental villous explant culture model and investigated the effect of the liberated soluble factors produced on human endothelial cell cultures. Term placental villous explants from uncomplicated pregnancies were cultured for 4 days in 20, 6 or 1% O2 to mimic placental hyperoxia, normoxia and hypoxia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a potent bioactive lipid that has been implicated in cardiovascular disease. The objective of the present study was to determine the vasoactive effects and underlying mechanisms of S1P on adult human maternal arteries. The isometric tensions of the omental and myometrial arteries isolated from normal pregnant women at term were assessed in response to incremental doses of S1P in the presence or absence of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a lipid from activated platelets that regulates blood vessel constriction by activating Rho-associated kinases and nitric oxide synthase, but its effects in human placental arteries, especially during pregnancy, were previously unclear.
- In experiments, S1P caused dose-dependent constriction of placental arteries and this effect was enhanced when nitric oxide production was inhibited, suggesting a complex interaction between S1P signaling and nitric oxide.
- The study concluded that S1P promotes vasoconstriction in human placental arteries via increased Ca(2+)-sensitization through Rho-associated kinase activation, highlighting its potential role in regulating blood flow during pregnancy