Background
Cigarette smokers have a reduced risk of developing preeclampsia, possibly attributed to an increase in carbon monoxide (CO) levels. Carbon monoxide is a gasotransmitter that has been implicated in maintaining vascular tone, increasing angiogenesis, and reducing inflammation and apoptosis at physiological concentrations. Moderately increasing CO concentrations may have therapeutic potential to prevent or treat preeclampsia; however, the effects of CO on pregnancy are under studied. Our
Conclusions
This study suggests that CO exposure is pro-angiogenic at the maternal-fetal interface, and is not associated with demonstrable concerns during murine pregnancy. Future studies are required to validate safety and efficacy of CO as a potential therapeutic for vascular insufficiency diseases such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.