A study of the relationship between C-type natriuretic peptide and pregnancy in sheep and red deer

摘要: A study of the relationship between C-type natriuretic peptide and pregnancy in sheep red deer by Bryony Alice McNeill (CNP) is a signaling molecule with important roles mammalian growth vascular function. Unexpectedly high plasma CNP concentrations have been reported late gestation ewes, suggesting possible role during pregnancy. However, temporal pattern maternal circulation, site/s production function not identified. Consequently, aim this PhD project was to address these unexplored aspects biology order improve our understanding CNP’s To characterise circulating pregnancy, longitudinal survey conducted two representative species ruminant: deer. Plasma both presumed bio-inactive fragment its precursor (NTproCNP) increased twin-bearing ewes at 40-50 days peak values attained (CNP 31 ± 5 pmol l, NTproCNP 270 16 l) about day 120. similar evident hinds. In pregnant studied 120, there positive forms fetal number (P < 0.01). Collectively, results strongly implicated uteroplacental unit as major source Therefore, studies were determine relative contribution uterine placental tissues concentration. The concentration placenta exceeded that intercaruncular tissue throughout 0.05), highest measured cotyledon. Immunohistochemistry revealed staining around blood vessels trophoblast binucleate cells (BNC), identifying probable