Micro-anatomic alterations of the placenta in a non-human primate model of gestational protein-restriction

Objectives: Maternal protein malnutrition is associated with impaired fetal growth, and lifetime consequences for the offspring. Our group has previously developed a model of protein-restriction in the non-human primate, which was associated with fetal growth restriction, stillbirth, decreased placental perfusion, and evidence of fetal hypoxia, suggesting perturbed vascular development. Previous assessments of placental vasculature have relied upon stereological or vascular casting methods, but these methods have limitations. Our objective was to histologically characterize the micro-anatomic alterations associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes using a newer method that permits investigation of the 3D vascular structure and surrounding histology.

Methods: Rhesus macaques were assigned in the pre-gestational period to a control diet that contained 26% protein, or study diet containing 13% protein (50% PR diet). Placental tissue was collected at delivery and processed using a clarifi...