Experiments on placental circulation and transplacental transfer in exteriorized foetuses in hypoxia and after asphyxia in guinea pigs.

Experiments were carried out on near term pregnant guinea pigs. Cesarean section was performed and by exteriorization of the foetuses the placental stage of labor was simulated. In one group of foetuses, chosen at random, we induced hypoxia, and in an another series of experiments asphyxia, each group with its own control. The results of acid-base values, experimental antipyrine transplacental transfer studies and the survival rate of foetuses, showed that it is advantageous for the newborn animal if we preserve the placental function in such conditions immediately post partum. Further study is necessary to determine to what degree and under what conditions our experimental observations are applicable to human perinatology.