Subrenal aortic coarctation: Characterization as a pregnancy-induced hypertension model in the rat

Deficient uteroplacental perfusion is a well recognized feature in all preeclampsia syndromes. In the present work, we propose a simple method of reducing uterine blood flow and producing feto-placental ischemia by a partial constriction of the aorta below the renal arteries in the rat. The procedure gives rise to significant pregnancy induced hypertension, proteinuria, edema and intrauterine growth restriction, a syndrome that closely resembles preeclampsia in women. Therefore we conclude that this experimental model constitutes a tool that widens the possibilities for the study of this disease and suggest that the method be employed by others to further validate its usefulness.