Experimental toxemia of pregnancy in the monkey, with a preliminary report on renin and aldosterone.

Abstract

Experimental toxemia of pregnancy was induced in 8 pregnant monkeys (Macacamulatta) by reducing the abdomiinal aorta to one-third of its original diameter during the last month of gestation. It was characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. In the kidney, light and electron microscopy and immunofluorescence revealed findings similar to those in human toxemia. Focal necrosis in the liver and diffuse hemorrhagic infarctions in the placenta were also observed. Plasma renin activity and aldosterone levels, as determined in blood from the uterine vein, were elevated. None of these changes were found in 4 control animals.