Alexander, Barbara T. Fetal programming of hypertension. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 290: R1–R10, 2006; doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00417.2005.— Numerous epidemiological studies suggest an inverse relationship between low birth weight (LBW) and hypertension, an observation now supported by numerous animal studies. The mechanisms linking LBW and hypertension appear to be multifactorial and in...

Adverse influences during fetal life alter the structure and function of distinct cells, organ systems or homoeostatic pathways, thereby 'programming' the individual for an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes in adult life. Fetal programming can be caused by a number of different perturbations in the maternal compartment, such as altered maternal nutrition and reduc...