Perinatal Research Division

Summary of Research Program

Dr. Albrecht’s laboratory focuses on the role of the placental hormonal milieu, particularly estrogen, in regulating primate maternal cardiovascular function, placental vascularization, and programming mechanisms in the fetus that promote cardiovascular and metabolic function after birth in the offspring. We selectively deliver to the placenta growth factor and other genes that control primate placental and fetal development.

This laboratory made the novel discovery that placental estrogen promotes primate fetal microvascular development and thus insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis after birth. Cutting-edge ultrasound imaging is employed to quantify maternal and fetal cardiovascular development. These highly translational studies conducted in nonhuman primates are foundational for exploring the potential of gene delivery as a therapeutic modality to prevent the devastating consequences of adverse human pregnancy.

Research Interests

• Regulation of maternal uteroplacental vascular remodeling and impact on cardiovascular function in offspring
• Programming of cardiovascular development in the fetus and impact on insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis in the offspring
• Regulation of fetal adrenal development

Meet the Team

Dr. Eugene Albrecht, PhD
Professor,
Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
Division Head,
Division of Perinatal Research

Dr. Graham Aberdeen, PhD
Assistant Professor,
Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
Chair,
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Chair
gaberdeen@som.umaryland.edu