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The influence of maternal nutrient restriction in early to mid-pregnancy on placental and fetal development in sheep

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2007

L. Heasman ,
L. Clarke ,
T. J. Stephenson  and
M. E. Symonds
L. Heasman*
Affiliation:
Academic Division of Child Health, School of Human Development, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
L. Clarke
Affiliation:
Academic Division of Child Health, School of Human Development, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
T. J. Stephenson
Affiliation:
Academic Division of Child Health, School of Human Development, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
M. E. Symonds
Affiliation:
Academic Division of Child Health, School of Human Development, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
*
*Corresponding author: Lindsay Heasman, present address ADAS High Mowthorpe, Duggleby, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 8BP, UK, fax +44 (0)1944 738434, email Lindsay_Heasman@adas.co.uk
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Abstract

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Placental weight is a primary factor determining size at birth in many species. In sheep, placental weight peaks at approximately mid-gestation, with structural remodelling occurring over the second half of pregnancy to meet the increasing nutritional demands of the growing fetus. Numerous factors influence placental growth and development in sheep, and many workers (see Kelly, 1992) have investigated the role of maternal nutrition as a regulator of placental and fetal size. We have studied the effects of feeding ewes approximately 50 % of their recommended energy requirements during early to mid-pregnancy on fetal and placental indices measured at mid-gestation (i.e. 80 d) and close to term (i.e. 145 d). Maternal nutrient restriction is associated with a reduction in placental weight at 80 d, but an increase in placental weight at 145 d of gestation, compared with ewes fed adequately in early pregnancy. No significant effect on fetal weight was observed at either 80 or 145 d gestation, although differences in body dimensions and the insulin-like growth factor-1 axis were found in lambs from nutrient-restricted ewes delivered close to term. Maternal nutrition during pregnancy plays a pivotal role in the regulation of fetal and placental development in sheep, and therefore has the potential to influence both short- and longer-term health outcomes.

Keywords

Maternal nutritionPlacentaFetusAdults
Type
Postgraduate Symposium
Information
Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 58 , Issue 2 , May 1999 , pp. 283 - 288
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 1999

Footnotes

†

School of Biological Sciences, Bourne Building, Royal Holloway and Bedford College, University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK

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