Gender-specific effect of overexpression of sFlt-1 in pregnant mice on fetal programming of blood pressure in the offspring later in life

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether fetal programming of adult blood pressure is altered in a previously characterized mouse model of preeclampsia that was induced by sFlt- 1. STUDY DESIGN: CD- 1 mouse mothers at day 8 of gestation were injected with an adenovirus carrying Flt 1- 3 ( 10(9) plaque- forming units) or with an adenovirus carrying mFc as control ( 10(9) plaque-forming units). The resulting pups were followed until 6 months of age, at which time blood pressure ( BP) was recorded continuously for 6 days. The offspring weight was also recorded from weaning until adulthood. RESULTS: BP was significantly higher in the male offspring that were born to sFlt- 1 - treated mothers compared with the controls. Male offspring from sFlt- 1 - treated mothers were significantly smaller from weaning until adulthood. However, there were no significant differences in BP and postweaning weight in female offspring between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the role of the intrauterine environment in the developmental origin of adult disease.