RIDOGREL IMPROVES MATERNAL-FETAL HOMEOSTASIS IN AN OVINE MODEL OF PREGNANCY-INDUCED HYPERTENSION

The effects of ridogrel (a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor / endopero xide receptor antagonist) were assessed in an ovine model of pregnancy -induced hypertension. Maternal serum prostacyclin and thromboxane lev els were quanitiated using RIA, and maternal and neonatal coagulation status was assessed. Pregnancy and neonatal outcome were recorded. tri fluoromethyl)phenyl]methylen]amin]oxy]pentanoic acid, was administered in one bolus dose at 0.1 or 1.0mg/kg IV, three hours following the on set of a 27 hour magnesium sulfate infusion given hypertensive ewes to prevent maternal seizures. At both doses, ridogrel improved neonatal outcome (0% neonatal mortality in each ridogrel group versus 67% neona tal mortality in the magnesium sulfate group), and ridogrel at 0.1 mg/ kg IV normalized birth weights. Abnormalities of maternal platelet fun ction (abnormal or no response to collagen), occurring during the ovin e syndrome, resolved following ridogrel treatment. Ridogrel's effects on maternal and neonatal coagulation were more dramatic at the 0.1 mg/ kg IV dose. Ridogrel appeared to be beneficial in this model of pregna ncy-induced hypertension.