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OJVRTM
Online Journal of
Veterinary Research
Volume 2: 1-9, 1998. Redacted 2018.
Does fasting in pregnant
sheep cause a syndrome analogous to human preeclampsia?
Steven E. Calvin MD, Cindy Wolf, DVM and Minneapolis MN.
The Perinatal Center at Abbot-Northwestern Hospital, The University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Department of OB/GYN, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.Supported by the Allina Health System Research Foundation Address for correspondence: Steven E. Calvin MD
SUMMARY
Calvin E and Wolf C. Does fasting in pregnant sheep
cause a syndrome analogous to human preeclampsia? Onl
J Vet Res., 2:1-9, 1998. Fasting in ewes pregnant with
singletons and triplets did not cause pregnancy toxemia but did cause changes
in laboratory values that depended on fetal number. Current blood pressure
monitoring technology and laboratory techniques were used to evaluate whether
fasting in pregnant ewes reliably induces a syndrome analogous to human
preeclampsia. A comparative descriptive study was performed in 2 nonpregnant ewes, 4 ewes pregnant with singletons, and 4
ewes with triplets. Laboratory and clinical parameters were evaluated before
and after a 60 hour fast. None of the ewes became ill or hypertensive. The
post-fast bilirubin and malondialdehyde levels were
increased and were positively correlated with fetal number. Ionized calcium and
blood glucose decreased with the largest decrease in triplet ewes. Cellular
fibronectin did not change. Fasted late pregnant ewes do not always develop
pregnancy toxemia. This may be due to an inadequate length of fasting or to the
use of ewes genetically resistant to this disorder. Hypertension may be due to
the use of restraint in measurement.
KEY WORDS - Pre-eclampsia, pregnancy toxemia, sheep diseases, animal
models, telemetry blood pressure monitoring systems.
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