Placental vascular immunohistochemical analysis in a goat undernutrition system

Abstract

In placental vascular development, metabolic balance is essential to meet fetal needs and ensure successful pregnancy. Thanks to the presence of angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors and intermediate filaments, it is possible to develop an extensive vascular network. However, nutrition and consequent growth rate of females in the prepubertal period can affect productive and reproductive efficiency. The objective of the work was to identify, using the immunohistochemical technique, the presence of angiopoietin-1 (ANG-1), thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), desmin and vimentin in caprine placental samples from a nutritional differentiation model in the prepubertal stage. Ten prepubertal goats were used, assigned to two groups: control group, animals with ad libitum dry matter intake, and restricted group, animals subjected to a 30% restriction of the potential intake achieved by females in the control group. Service was carried out by natural mating, and the placentas were collected after delivery. Cotyledonary samples were taken for further processing in the laboratory. The conventional histological technique was used for the subsequent use of the samples in the immunohistochemical technique. The results obtained were statistically analyzed using InfoStat software using a completely randomized design. The effect of food restriction on placental remodeling was determined, and it was established that ANG-1, TSP-1, desmin and vimentin present greater immunoreactivity in nutritional stress scenarios in order to develop an adequate vascular network by forming larger vessels that allow supplying fetal metabolic requirements.