Increased Placental Apoptosis in Maternal Food Restricted Gestations: Role of the Fas Pathway

The placenta has a pivotal role, shuttling nutrients to the developing fetus and producing hormones essential to pregnancy. Maternal food restriction (MFR) during pregnancy results in growth restricted newborns, a consequence attributed primarily to maternal nutrient supply. We hypothesized that MFR further compromises fetal growth by decreased placental growth or increased placental apoptosis. We determined the potential pathway …