Experimental treatment of induced fetal retardation in model animals

Abstract

Intrauterine retardation is one of the major complications of pregnancy. This pathology occurs in approximately 10% of all pregnancies in developed countries and 20% in developing countries. Moreover, intrauterine retardation is more frequently associated with stillbirths than other pathologies. Despite studies conducted in the past 50 years, no generally accepted therapeutic regimen has yet been developed. Numerous drugs have been used for treatment; however, none of them has been proven effective. Moreover, after years of testing, new data are emerging about the side effects of the drugs previously used. Various models of fetal retardation have been developed throughout the study of this problem. The main model animals are rats, pigs, and sheep. Numerous techniques and drug options have been proposed for the treatment of simulated intrauterine developmental delays in these animals. The main amino acids used for treatment were arginine, glutamine, taurine, and citrulline. Thus, the literature review aimed to analyze which model animals and experimental models of intrauterine retardation treatment most adequately reflect the effectiveness of these drugs.