Statistics: All Together Now, One Step at a Time. Microcirculation 18(4), 312. “
“Please cite this paper as:

Drummond and Tom (2011). How Can We Tell If Frogs Jump Further? Microcirculation 18(6), 512–515. “
“Please cite this paper as: Cracowski (2011). Female Hormones and Skin MK-2206 nmr Microvascular Function. Microcirculation 18(5), 356–357. “
“Extensive vascular adaptations occur during pregnancy, and these result in the formation of a low-resistance placental circulation that maintains high blood flow to the developing fetus. These adaptations encompass both functional and structural alterations, including altered vasoreactivity of resistance vessels, arterial remodeling and angiogenesis. This Special Topics issue presents a collection of expert reviews that summarize the current state of knowledge on the regulation of the structural and functional changes that occur within the fetoplacental circulation, as well as introduce emerging

research questions and tools. Emphasis is placed on defining the mechanisms that underlie these physiological adaptations, as a foundation for applying this knowledge to the development of improved early detection markers and treatments for pathological conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and fetal growth restriction. Pregnancy evokes a complex temporal series of vascular adaptations that includes an extensive expansion of the vasculature that supplies the uterus and fetus, and the de novo formation of vascular networks within the placenta. Methocarbamol These adaptations promote the ultimate establishment of a low-resistance placental circulation, which is critical to enable the substantive increase in fetoplacental Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor blood flow [9, 10] that is necessary for sustaining the developing fetus with an effective supply of oxygen and nutrients, and adequate removal of metabolic waste products. Remodeling of the vasculature occurs at multiple levels of the vascular tree (macro- and micro-vessels) and encompasses both functional and structural adaptations. Vasodilation and the circumferential enlargement of (hypertrophy) of the uterine vessels greatly facilitate the increased blood supply to the developing placenta and fetus [11].

Neovascularization of the placenta supports the development of this new organ, and also contributes to the establishment of high placental blood flow [14]. The fetoplacental vasculature represents a unique system to study physiological mechanisms underlying vascular remodeling within the adult. Beyond its value in the investigation of physiological adaptive processes, the application of this knowledge to studying disease states may help to identify early markers, and/or to develop effective treatments, for pathological conditions that endanger the health of both fetus and mother. Despite these potential benefits, the regulation of these adaptive events within the fetoplacental circulation has been understudied in comparison to other vascular beds.