Autonomic nervous system regulation of baseline heart rate in the fetal lamb

Objective: We examined 29 chronically instrumented fetal lambs from 125 to 143 days' gestation to investigate the effects of fetal behavioral states and autonomic nervous system maturation on baseline fetal heart rate. Study design: Behavioral states were defined from electrocorticographic analysis as low-voltage fast activity or high-voltage slow activity. Decrease and increase in baseline fetal heart rate subsequent to administration of propranolol and methylatropine represented ß-sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. Results: Baseline fetal heart rate decreased with gestation in both states, with steeper regression in low-voltage fast activity ( p < 0.001). Positive correlation was noted between gestational age and percent decrease baseline fetal heart rate in both states with steeper regression in high-voltage slow activity ( p < 0.001 ), and between gestational age and percent increase baseline fetal heart rate with steeper regression in low-voltage fast activity ( p < 0.001). Fetal heart rate ß-sympathetic and parasympathetic tones increased with age in both states, with elevation of ß-sympathetic tone in high-voltage slow activity and parasympathetic tone in low-voltage fast activity. Conclusions: Sympathetic and parasympathetic systems influence baseline fetal heart rate in these behavioral states and with age.