Chronic Protein Restriction in Mice Impacts Placental Function and Maternal Body Weight before Fetal Growth

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152227
• Publication Date: 2016-03-28T17:36:59Z
• Authors: Paula N. Gonzalez; Malgorzata Gasper...; Jimena Barbeito-A...; Natasha Klenin; James C. Cross; Benedikt Hallgrím...
• Keywords: Trophoblast

Mechanisms of resource allocation are essential for maternal and fetal survival, particularly when the availability nutrients is limited. We investigated responses feto-placental development to chronic protein malnutrition test hypothesis that low diet produces differential growth restriction placental tissues, adaptive changes in placenta may mitigate impacts on growth. C57BL/6J female mice were fed either a low-protein (6% protein) or control isocaloric (20% protein). On embryonic days E10.5, 17.5 18.5 tissue samples prepared morphometric, histological quantitative RT-PCR analyses, which included markers trophoblast cell subtypes. Potential endocrine adaptations assessed by expression Prolactin-related hormone genes. In group, weight was significantly lower at followed reduction E17.5, while fetuses became lighter no earlier than E18.5. Fetal head E18.5 though smaller controls, larger expected body size. The relative size shape cranial vault flexion base affected E17.5 more severely junctional zone, layer rich energy storing glycogen cells, placentas as well Pcdh12, marker cells. Placental gene Prl3a1 altered response diet: elevated still growing normally, but dropped sharply parallel with slowing This model suggests preferentially allocated sustain brain nutrient sensor early gestation role mitigating poor nutrition