# FETAL ADAPTATION TO CHRONIC UTERINE BLOOD FLOW REDUCTION

> **NIH NIH K08** · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · 1994 · $80,006

## Abstract

Intrauterine growth retardation is a significant cause of perinatal
morbidity and mortality.  Maternal conditions which results in reduced
uteroplacental blood flow are consistently associated with fetal growth
retardation.  The fetal metabolic adaptations which occur under these
conditions ensure survival of the fetus at he expense of growth.  The
purpose of the present investigation is to elucidate the mechanisms
responsible for the adaptations which impact on fetal growth.  The
proposed studies will examine the following hypotheses: 1) fetal hypoxia
due to uteroplacental blood flow reduction will decrease tissue insulin
like growth factor I (IGF-I) bioactivity which in turn will effect a
decrease in protein synthesis and accretion in selected tissues (skeletal
muscle), resulting in deceleration in growth rate. 2) the changes in IGF-
I bioactivity and protein metabolism can be reserved, at least in part,
through maternal (and thereby fetal) oxygen supplementation. 3) infusion
of IGF-I into the fetal hindlimb will result in increased protein
synthesis in skeletal muscle tissue.  These hypotheses will be tested
using a model of prolonged uteroplacental blood flow reduction in the
sheep developed by the candidate.  Daily measurements of linear fetal
growth will be made before and during 14 days of uteroplacental blood
flow reduction during which time the rates of protein synthesis,
breakdown, oxidation and net accretion in the whole fetal body as well
as in fetal skeletal muscle will be determined using stable and
radioactive tracer methodology.  Skeletal muscle metabolism will be
examined using an in vivo fetal hindlimb.

These studies will provide a broader understanding of the metabolic
processes which contribute to the development of fetal growth
retardation, thereby possibly stimulating new approaches to the
prevention and treatment of this condition in human pregnancies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2194594
- **Project number:** 1K08HD001048-01
- **Recipient organization:** INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- **SAM.gov UEI:** SHHBRBAPSM35
- **Principal Investigator:** DAVID W BOYLE
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $80,006
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 1993-12-01 → 1998-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2194594

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2194594, FETAL ADAPTATION TO CHRONIC UTERINE BLOOD FLOW REDUCTION (1K08HD001048-01). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2194594. Licensed CC0.

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