Induction of preeclampsia like phenomena by stimulation of sympathetic nerve with cold and fasting stress

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of cold-stress, fasting stress and cold plus fasting stress on the sympathetic nerve activity. Pre gnant and nonpregnant rats were kept in cold environment (0 degrees C), or fasting condition (12 h), and cold plus fasting condition for 2 weeks. Thei r plasma corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF), catecholamines, insulin lev els, and platelets were measured, and histological examinations were perfor med. In cold plus fasting stress rats, a significant increased CRF, epineph rine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and insulin levels with decreased platelet c ount (P<0.0001) were observed compared with control. Histological study rev ealed that diffused enlarged glomeruli with fibrin deposition in the kidney , hemostasis, ischemic necrosis and fibrin deposition in liver and swelling along with hemorrhagic necrosis in adrenal gland of cold plus fasting stre ss rats. The biochemical and histological changes in cold plus fasting, col d-stressed or fasting rats were similar to human preeclampsia. The findings observed in cold plus fasting stress rats were more pronounced either than cold-stressed or fasting group. These results demonstrate that cold plus f asting stress is an intense stimulator of sympathetic nervous system than e ither cold stress or fasting. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. Ail ri ghts reserved.