Activity profile of placental superoxide‐superoxide dismutase system in pregnant mice and its possible relation with placental steroidogenesis

Abstract

Placenta in mouse generate increasing quantities of superoxide dismutase from day 13 of pregnancy until parturition. This is associated with a concomitant reduction in the activity of superoxide radical. This findings points to the steroidogenic control of the later half of pregnancy by the placental axis. Parturition is associated with an abrupt spurt in superoxide radical. This is a novel finding and could be a consequence of the estrogen surge at labour. It is suggested that this abrupt increase in superoxide radical level at parturition may remould the placental membrane fluid at the point of its attachment with uterine membranes so as to facilitate the separation of placenta from uterus.