Work

Estrogen Deprivation During Primate ( Papio anubis ) Pregnancy: Impact on Systemic Microvascular Flow and Cardiovascular Development and Function After Birth in Offspring

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background Suppressing estradiol (E 2 ) during baboon pregnancy lowers offspring skeletal muscle capillary density, vital for insulin‐mediated glucose uptake, and induces insulin resistance. We examined whether E 2 deprivation also impairs microvascular flow and cardiac function. Methods Offspring of untreated baboons, letrozole‐treated baboons, or letrozole plus E 2 (maternal s.c. injections during the second half of gestation) underwent contrast‐enhanced microbubble ultrasonography to quantify microvessel flow and echocardiography to assess cardiac performance. Results Letrozole reduced maternal serum E 2 by 95% ( p < 0.01). In letrozole offspring, microbubble flux rate ( β ) fell 55% ( p < 0.02), replenishment was 5 s slower ( p < 0.03), and microvessel flow declined 40% ( p = 0.05); all were restored by added E 2 . Indices of systolic (isovolumic contraction), diastolic (isovolumic relaxation), global performance (Tei index), and cardiac output were unchanged. Conclusion Prolonged gestational E 2 deprivation programs a reduction in microvascular flow without altering cardiac function; maternal E 2 prevents this, supporting E 2 's role in optimizing postnatal perfusion and metabolic health.

Source: Journal of Medical Primatology

DOI: 10.1111/jmp.70076

Authors: Sifa Turan, Jeffery S. Babischkin, Graham W. Aberdeen, Gerald J. Pepe, Eugene D. Albrecht

Institutions: University of Maryland, Baltimore, Old Dominion University

Language: English

Topic: Birth, Development, and Health

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,350