Maternal psychological stress and fetal asphyxia: A study in the monkey

摘要: Abstract Fifteen pregnant rhesus monkeys near term were anesthetized with pentobarbital. Catheters placed into the right femoral arteries of mother and fetus, fetuses being retained in utero. After repair all incisions, mothers on their sides allowed to recover from anesthesia. As they awakened, regularly developed blood chemical and, frequently, vital signs changes indicative deepening asphyxia. In eight cases, anesthesia was reinstated intravenous pentobarbital, 30 mg. per kilogram. This caused an immediate significant improvement oxygenation fetus instances. The remaining animals transferred restraining chairs where cardiovascular statuses followed over next 3 72 hours. During this time, mothers, fully awake, subjected both “contrived” “incidental” episodes psychological stress stimulation. majority instances, these periods bradycardia hypotension fetuses. These induced appeared about 50 seconds after beginning stimulation mother. Similarly, frequently began returning toward more normal values within 1 2 minutes alleviation maternal stress. Blood samples drawn single cases before, during, recovery identified associated increase asphyxia episodic aggravations already existent fetal brought by are interpreted as resulting activation sympathetic nervous system causing vasoconstriction throughout abdominal viscera accompanying retardation intervillous space perfusion.