The effect of litter size on placental blood flow and placental calcium transfer in the multifoetate guinea-pig.

1. Placental blood flow rate and calcium transfer rate were measured at 61 d of pregnancy in guinea-pigs carrying between one and eight foetuses. 2. Placental blood flow rate was significantly correlated with foetal weight. Ca transfer rate was related to placental size. Irrespective of litter size the mean amount of Ca transferred across a placenta was between 0.22 and 0.34 mg/h per g placental tissue. 3. It was concluded that there was a limit to the rate of transfer which was produced by a combination of limitations in placental blood flow rate, maternal plasma Ca concentration and placental tissue transfer capacity.