Resibufogenin Prevents the Manifestations of Preeclampsia in an Animal Model of the Syndrome

Background and Objectives. We have developed a rat model of preeclampsia which is based upon excessive volume expansion and includes hypertension, proteinuria and intrauterine growth restriction. In this model, the urinary excretion of the circulating steroid inhibitor of Na +/ K+ ATPase, marinobufagenin, is increased prior to the development of hypertension and proteinuria. An analogue of marinobufagenin, resibufogenin, successfully treats the hypertension and proteinuria. Methods. We administered resibufogenin early in pregnancy in this model, prior to the development of the syndrome. Results. We found that resibufogenin not only prevented the advent of hypertension and proteinuria, but also the development of intrauterine growth restriction. Discussion. These results may have relevance to the human condition.