Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and placental vascular response to VEGF

We compared expression of VEGF in human placentas and response of the placental vessels to VEGF. In placental cuts obtained after normal pregnancy and after preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and diabetes class C expression of VEGF was evaluated by immunostaining. Next, passive tension of isolated placental vessels after administration of VEGF (100 ng/ml) and the influence of pretreatment with NOLA (100 mumol/l) have been examined. Strong VEGF expression was observed in diabetes, while in PE expression of VEGF was similar to controls, and in IUGR - expression of VEGF was significantly reduced. VEGF-induced vasorelaxation was diminished in IUGR nearly by half, significantly augmented in PE, and unchanged in diabetes class C. NOLA blocked VEGF-induced vasodilation, especially in IUGR.