Animal model for induction of intrauterine growth restriction by reduced uteroplacental perfusion. We utilize a unique model of placental insufficiency in the rat to examine the inverse relationship between intrauterine growth restriction with birth at term and development of hypertension in the adult offspring. Specifically, at day 14 of gestation the lower abdominal aorta is isolated and a silver clip (0.203-mm ID) is placed around the aorta above the iliac bifurcation. In addition, silver clips (0.100-mm ID) are also positioned around both the right and left ovarian arteries that supply the uterus as compensation of blood flow to the placenta occurs through an adaptive increase in ovarian blood flow. Using our model we have found that placental insufficiency initiated at day 14 of gestation in the pregnant rat results in offspring with significantly lower birth weights relative to offspring from control pregnant rats, a reduction of approximately 12%; and a significant increase in mean arterial pressure as measured by carotid arterial catheter in conscious animals. Alexander, BT. Placental insufficiency leads to development of hypertension in growth-restricted offspring. Hypertension. 2003;41(3):457-62.