Division of Reproductive Biology Research

Su Laboratory

Telephone: (312) 503-0797
Fax: (312) 503-0095

Laboratory Focus

Abnormal placental blood flow leading to adverse pregnancy outcome

During pregnancy, placental blood flow may be inadequate in conditions such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. In these situations, preterm delivery is often required in order to avoid outcomes such as stillbirth or severe maternal illness. However, the consequences of premature delivery are often quite serious. Preterm infants, especially those that also were subject to fetal growth restriction, are at risk for both short- and long-term adverse outcomes, including blindness, deafness, short- and long-term medical illnesses, mental retardation, and cerebral palsy. We are investigating how placental blood flow is regulated by estrogen receptor-beta in normal and growth-restricted/preeclamptic pregnancies in hopes of identifying specific biologic targets that may ameliorate placental blood flow in certain pregnancy-related diseases.