Recruiting
Mechanisms of Pregnancy Vascular Adaptations
The investigators will collect omental tissue (research surgical excision) and placental tissue (standard of care clinical delivery) from both preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic women during their c-section and use these samples to study the blood vessels, specifically the expression/activation of the AT2R.
ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT03806283
PhaseNot Applicable
Enrollment166
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison
Age18 Years
SexFEMALE
Conditions studied
Pre-Eclampsia, Vascular Diseases
About this study
The investigators will collect omental tissue (research surgical excision) and placental tissue (standard of care clinical delivery) from both preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic women during their c-section and use these samples to study the blood vessels, specifically the expression/activation of the AT2R.
Interventions
- Procedure: Omental Biopsy — The surgeon and clinical care team will conduct the c-section to deliver the baby and the placenta as clinically indicated. After delivery, during the closing procedures, the surgeon will indicate a time for a participating Ob/Gyn physician on the study team to collect the omental bio-specimen. Omentum is frequently excised or removed for clinical reasons during surgical procedures. Omentum has small blood vessels within it that have been used for evaluation of vascular functional changes in research. The investigators wish to isolate one to three vessels of 5 to 7 cm length. The surgeon will then close and the clinical care team will resume their standard of care activities.
Primary outcomes
- Quantify the vascular AT2R expression and vascular function in placental and omental vascular arteries in both preeclamptic and controlled pregnancies. (1 year)
- To test if ex-vivo treatment of AT2R agonists reverses the endothelial dysfunction and improves vasoconstriction in the preeclamptic vessels. (1 year)
- To test AT2R mediated mechanisms on endothelial derived hyperpolarizing factor, nitric oxide and prostacyclin pathway of vascular relaxation to examine AT2's role in vaso-relaxation and AT2R mediated vasoconstrictor pathway will be defined. (1 year)
Eligibility information
Inclusion Criteria:
* Female
* Ages 18 to 40 years old
* Singleton gestation between 28 weeks, 0 days and 41 weeks, 0 days gestational age at the time of consent
* Undergoing caesarean section, either planned or otherwise with or without trial of labor
Exclusion Criteria:
* Treatment of severe hypertension by antihypertensive or use of magnesium sulfate after the patient is hospitalized for the diagnosis of preeclampsia.
* Any major fetal structural anomalies or aneuploidies
* Undergoing cesarean section for placental abruption or bleeding complications.
* Singleton gestation not within 36 weeks, 0 days and 41 weeks, 0 days gestational age at the time of enrollment (delivery)
Study locations
- UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin 53715 United States
Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.