Background and Purpose—Oxidant stress, especially in the premature, plays a major role in the pathogenesis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathies mostly manifested in the periventricular region. We studied the vasomotor mode of actions of the peroxidation product 15-F_2t-isoprostane (15-F_2t-IsoP) (8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α) on periventricular region during development.

Methods—Effects of 15-F_2t-IsoP on periventricular microvessels of fetal, newborn, and juvenile pigs were studied by video imaging and digital analysis techniques. Thromboxane formation and intracellular Ca²⁺ were measured by radioimmunoassay and by using the fluorescent indicator fura 2-AM.

Results—15-F_2t-IsoP–mediated constriction of periventricular microvessels decreased as a function of age such that in the fetus it was ≈2.5-fold greater than in juvenile pigs. 15-F_2t-IsoP evoked more thromboxane formation in the fetus than in the newborn, which was greater than that in the juvenile periventricular region; this was associated with immunoreactive thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) synthase expression in the fetus that was greater than that in newborn pigs, which was greater than that in juvenile pigs. 15-F_2t-IsoP–induced vasoconstriction was markedly inhibited by TXA₂ synthase and receptor blockers (CGS12970 and L670596). Vasoconstrictor effects of the TXA₂ mimetic U46619 on fetal, neonatal, and juvenile periventricular microvessels did not differ. 15-F_2t-IsoP increased TXA₂ synthesis by activating Ca²⁺ influx through non–voltage-gated channels in endothelial cells (SK&F96365 sensitive) and N-type voltage-gated channels (ω-conotoxin sensitive) in astrocytes; smooth muscle cells were not responsive to 15-F_2t-IsoP but generated Ca²⁺ transients to U46619 via L-type voltage-sensitive channels.

Conclusions—15-F_2t-IsoP causes periventricular brain region vasoconstriction in the fetus that is greater than that in the newborn, which in turn is greater than that in the juvenile due to greater TXA₂ formation generated through distinct stimulatory pathways, including from endothelial and astroglial cells. The resulting hemodynamic compromise may contribute to the increased vulnerability of the periventricular brain areas to oxidant stress–induced injury in immature subjects.