Renal and Amniotic Fluid Responses to Umbilicoplacental Embolization for 20 Days in Fetal Sheep

We determined the effects of placental insufficiency induced by umbilicoplacental embolization on fetal renal function and amniotic fluid volume and composition. Pregnant ewes underwent surgery at 115 +/- 2 days after mating (term approximately 147 days) for implantation of fetal vascular, bladder, and amniotic sac catheters. We studied five fetuses from 120 to 140 days during umbilicoplacental embolization and six control fetuses. Umbilicoplacental embolization reduced fetal arterial partial pressure of oxygen from 24.1 +/- 0.5 mmHg (pretreatment) to 14.6 +/- 0.2 mmHg. Fetal body weights were reduced to 80% of control values. Urine production and glomerular filtration rate in treated fetuses were significantly lower than in controls at 135 days of gestation. Amniotic fluid volume was not different between embolized and control animals. Fetal urine production in treated fetuses, when adjusted for body weight, was not different from that in control fetuses. We conclude that, in fetal growth restriction, reduced kidney weight, rather than hypoxemia per se is responsible for reduced urine production, which, if severe and prolonged, may contribute to oligohydramnios.