Effect of β-blocker on maternal-fetal heart rates and coupling in pregnant mice and fetuses

The aim of this preliminary study is to look how maternal-fetal heart rates and their coupling patterns are influenced by injection of β blocker(propranolol) into pregnant mice. Total of 6 pregnant female mice were divided into two groups [control (N=3) and β blockade (N=3)]. On 17.5-day mean heart rate of mothers and fetuses (MHR and FHR) were simultaneously measured for 20 minutes (10 minutes under normal condition and 10 minutes with saline (to control group) and propranolol (to the β blockade group) solution by using an invasive maternal and fetal electrocardiogram techniques with needle electrodes. Results show that FHR decreased and maternal-fetal heart rate coupling (λ) patterns changed with propranolol infusion (no change with saline). Statistical test showed that changes (increase/decrease from pre to post values) in mean, rmssd and power spectral density (PSD) (2~4 Hz)) of MHR, short term variability of FHR, PSD (0.0~1.0 Hz) of FHR and λ were found to be significantly associated with treatment types (saline to propranolol). The presented results and protocol allow for assessment of β adrenergic control of maternal and fetal heart, which will further enhance the value of the mouse as a model of heritable human pregnancy and hypertension.