Placental and fetal characteristics of the Ohia mouse line recapitulate outcomes in human hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defect worldwide. The morbidity and mortality associated with these defects is compounded by increased frequency of fetal growth abnormalities. In the Ohia mouse model of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the double homozygous genotype is embryonically lethal at mid-pregnancy; a time in which optimal establishment of the placenta is crucial to fetal survival. We aimed to characterize placental and fetal growth and development in the double heterozygous genotype (Scup130(m/)+Pcdha9(m/+)). There was a shift in frequency of fetuses with reduced weight near term in the Scup130(m/) (+)Pcdha9(m/+) fetuses compared to wildtype, driven by lower fetal weight in male fetuses compared to female. This shift in fetal weight distribution in the Scup130(m/+)Pcdha9(m/+) fetuses was associated with reduced labyrinth region area (P < 0.001) and reduced fetal capillary density (P < 0.001) in the placentas, the latter being significantly lower in male Sap130(m/+)Pcdha9(m/+) placentas compared to female. mRNA expression of several nutrient transporters was also lower in placentas from males compared to placentas from females, irrespective of genotype. Overall, this data shows that whilst the double heterozygous fetuses do not carry heart defects, placental development and function is impaired, particularly in males. Such differences are similar to findings in studies of human placentas and highlights the importance of this mouse model in continuing to understand the developmental links and disruptions to the heart-placenta axis.

Automated summary

Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect worldwide and are associated with fetal growth abnormalities. This study reveals that in a mouse model, the genotype Scup130(m/)+Pcdha9(m/+) impairs placental development and function, particularly in males.