Uterine oxygen uptake in the pregnant pygmy goat

• Published in: Respiration physiology Vol. 42; no. 3; pp. 373 - 381
• Main Authors: Bissonnette, John M., Metcalfe, James, Hohimer, A.Roger, Pernoll, Martin L., Welch, J.Eugen, Lawson, Maralee S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.01.1980
• Subjects: Anemia; animal physiology; animal reproduction; Animals; Extraembryonic Membranes - anatomy & histology; Female; Fetus; Fetus - anatomy & histology; Goats - metabolism; Organ Size; Oxygen Consumption; Placenta; Placenta - anatomy & histology; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Regional Blood Flow; Uterine blood flow; Uterus - anatomy & histology; Uterus - blood supply; Uterus - metabolism; Pregnancy; Fetus; Oxygen consumption; Placenta; Anemia; Uterine blood flow
• ISSN: 0034-5687
• DOI: 10.1016/0034-5687(80)90126-7

The diffusion equilibrium method was used to measure uterine blood flow (Q̇ut) and oxygen consumption (V̇utO 2) of 7 Pygmy goats in the last third of pregnancy. V̇utO 2 was 9.3 ± 1.3 (mean ± SEM) ml · min −1 · kg −1 weight of the uterus and its contents: the placenta, fetus and fetal membranes. This O 2 requirement was provided by a high blood flow (349 ± 48 ml · min −1 · kg −1) and a narrow arteriovenous difference (2.4 ± 0.1 vol %) across the uterus. Maternal arterial O 2 content (Ca O 2 ) was varied by incurring chronic anemia in 3 animals. Ca O 2 over the range 6.5–12.8 vol % did not affect uterine blood flow or the arteriovenous oxygen content difference across the uterus. Weight specific (ml · min −1 · kg −1) V̇ut O 2 did not differ in animals whose total uterine weights varied over a wide range and uterine vein oxygen tension and content did not fall prior to delivery. We conclude that the absolute uterine blood flow varies over a wide range to meet the requirements of the uterine contents.