MIUH Inhibits the Hippocampal Neuron Growth in Fetal Rat by Affecting the PTEN Pathway

Mild intrauterine hypoperfusion (MIUH) can induce placental dysfunction and lead to long-term changes during the process of brain development. A better understanding of the mechanism of MIUH will help in the development of new neuroprotective strategies for the placental chamber. To better understand the mechanism of the effect of MIUH on the neural development of offspring, we constructed a model of MIUH in pregnant rats. The proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy of hippocampal neurons in fetal rats were studied via flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, JC-1 staining, western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction at different time points (6, 24, 48, and 72 h). The results showed that MIUH significantly inhibited the proliferation of hippocampal neurons and promoted their apoptosis and autophagy. Simultaneously, MIUH could promote PTEN expression and affect the PTEN signaling pathway. bpV, an inhibitor of PTEN, could restore the inhibition of hippocampal nerve cell growth caused by MIUH. MIUH may inhibit neuronal proliferation and promote neuronal apoptosis and autophagy by regulating the PTEN signaling pathway.