Fetoplacental vascular tone is modified by magnesium sulfate in the preeclamptic ex vivo human placental cotyledon.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate fetoplacental vascular tone and response to a vasoconstrictor in placentas of preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies with and without the presence of magnesium sulfate.

Study Design: Two cotyledons from each placenta were selected from preeclamptic (n=8) and normotensive (n=7) pregnancies. In one cotyledon from each pair, the maternal circuit was perfused with magnesium sulfate. The fetal arteries were injected sequentially with angiotensin II (10(-10)mol and 10(-11.5) mol). Perfusion pressures and response to angiotensin II were compared, with regard to preeclampsia and exposure to magnesium sulfate.

Results: Perfusion pressure was higher in preeclamptic placentas, compared with normotensive placentas (30.4 mm Hg vs 24.4 mm Hg, P=.02). There was a decrease in perfusion pressure with exposure to magnesium sulfate in preeclamptic placentas (22.5 mm Hg, P<.01), but not in normotensive placentas. Fetoplacental vascular response to angiotensin II was not affected by preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate.

Conclusion: In placentas from preeclamptic pregnancies there is increased fetoplacental perfusion pressure, which decreases with exposure to sulfate.