Hypoxia Induces Aortic Hypertrophic Growth, Left Ventricular Dysfunction, and Sympathetic Hyperinnervation of Peripheral Arteries in the Chick Embryo

Abstract

This study indicates that mild hypoxia during embryonic development induces alterations in cardiac and vascular function and structure and affects hemodynamic regulation. These findings reveal that antenatal insults have profound effects on the control and design of the circulatory system that are already established at birth and may program for hypertension and heart failure at a later age.