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Glättli SC, Elzinga FA, van der Bijl W, Leuvenink HGD, Prins JR, van Goor H, Gordijn SJ, Olinga P, Touw DJ, Mian P. Variability in perfusion conditions and set-up parameters used in ex vivo human placenta models: A literature review. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00074-2. [PMID: 38570213 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The ex vivo human placenta perfusion model has proven to be clinically relevant to study transfer- and fetal exposure of various drugs. Although the method has existed for a long period, the setup of the perfusion model has not been generalized yet. This review aims to summarize the setups of ex vivo placental perfusion models used to examine drug transfer across the placenta to identify generalized properties and differences across setups. A literature search was carried out in PubMed September 26, 2022. Studies were labeled as relevant when information was reported, between 2000 and 2022, on the setups of ex vivo placental perfusion models used to study drug transfer across the placenta. The placenta perfusion process, and the data extraction, was divided into phases of preparation, control, drug, and experimental reflecting the chronological timeline of the different phases during the entire placental perfusion process. 135 studies describing an ex vivo human placental perfusion experiment were included. Among included studies, the majority (78.5%) analyzed drug perfusion in maternal to fetal direction, 18% evaluated bi-directional drug perfusion, 3% under equilibrium conditions, and one study investigated drug perfusion in fetal to maternal direction. This literature review facilitates the comparison of studies that employ similar placenta perfusion protocols for drug transfer studies and reveals significant disparities in the setup of these ex vivo placental perfusion models. Due to interlaboratory variability, perfusion studies are not readily comparable or interchangeable. Therefore, a stepwise protocol with multiple checkpoints for validating placental perfusion is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Glättli
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - F A Elzinga
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - W van der Bijl
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - H G D Leuvenink
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - J R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - H van Goor
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Pathology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - S J Gordijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - P Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deunsinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - D J Touw
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Antonius Deunsinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - P Mian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Wang JJ, Wang X, Li Q, Huang H, Zheng QL, Yao Q, Zhang J. Feto-placental endothelial dysfunction in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus under dietary or insulin therapy. BMC Endocr Disord 2023; 23:48. [PMID: 36814227 PMCID: PMC9948408 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-023-01305-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious complication in pregnancy. Despite controlling the plasma glucose levels with dietary intervention (GDM-D) or insulin therapy (GDM-I), children born of diabetic mothers suffer more long-term complications from childhood to early adulthood. Placental circulation and nutrient exchange play a vital role in fetal development. Additionally, placental endothelial function is an indicator of vascular health, and plays an important role in maintaining placental circulation for nutrient exchange. This study was conducted to assess changes in fetal endothelial dysfunction in GDM under different interventions during pregnancy. METHODS The primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were obtained from normal pregnant women (n = 11), GDM-D (n = 14), and GDM-I (n = 12) patients. LC-MS/MS was used to identify differentially expressed proteins in primary HUVECs among the three groups, after which Bioinformatics analysis was performed. Glucose uptake, ATP level, apoptosis, and differentially expressed proteins were assessed to investigate changes in energy metabolism. RESULTS A total of 8174 quantifiable proteins were detected, and 142 differentially expressed proteins were identified after comparing patients with GDM-D/GDM-I and healthy controls. Of the 142, 64 proteins were upregulated while 77 were downregulated. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins were involved in multiple biological processes and signaling pathways related to cellular processes, biological regulation, and metabolic processes. According to the results from KEGG analysis, there were changes in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway after comparing the three groups. In addition, there was a decrease in glucose uptake in the GDM-I (P < 0.01) group. In GDM-I, there was a significant decrease in the levels of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3). Moreover, glucose uptake was significantly decreased in GDM-I, although in GDM-D, there was only a decrease in the levels of GLUT1. ATP levels decreased in GDM-I (P < 0.05) and apoptosis occurred in both the GDM-D and GDM-I groups. Compared to the normal controls, the levels of phosphate AKT and phosphate AMPK over total AKT and AMPK were reduced in the GDM-I group. CONCLUSION In summary, endothelial dysfunction occurred in pregnancies with GDM even though the plasma glucose levels were controlled, and this dysfunction might be related to the degree of glucose tolerance. The energy dysfunction might be related to the regulation of the AKT/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Wang
- Department of Clinical pharmacy, First Affiliated hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Clinical pharmacy, First Affiliated hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Clinical pharmacy, First Affiliated hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Hua Huang
- Department of Clinical pharmacy, First Affiliated hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Qiao-Ling Zheng
- Department of Clinical pharmacy, First Affiliated hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Qin Yao
- Department of Clinical pharmacy, First Affiliated hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Clinical pharmacy, First Affiliated hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China.
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Yaman S, Ceyhan M, Hancerliogullari N, Koc EM, Candar T, Tokmak A. Serum levels of kynurenine in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction and oligohydramnios. J Perinat Med 2023:jpm-2022-0446. [PMID: 36586131 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2022-0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Kynurinine (KYN) and its metabolites, which are released during the metabolism of tryptophan, an essential amino acid, have many important functions, such as cellular energy production, regulation of vascular tone, and regulation of the immune system. In this study, we aimed to detect serum KYN levels, which may be an indicator of KYN pathway activity, in idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR) and oligohydramnios cases whose pathophysiology is known to be affected by multiple factors, such as placental hypoperfusion, immune dysregulation, and maternal nutrition disorder, and to investigate their relationship with these common obstetric complications. METHODS This cross-sectional case-control study was carried out in the antenatal outpatient clinics of Ankara City Hospital between July and December 2021. While the study group consisted of pregnant women with idiopathic isolated FGR and oligohydramnios, the control group consisted of low-risk patients who did not have any problems. The clinical features of the patients, such as age, body mass indexes, and gestational week, were recorded by measuring basic laboratory parameters and serum KYN levels. RESULTS A total of 110 patients were included in this study. The patients were divided into three groups: FGR, oligohydramnios, and the control group. There was no significant difference between the patients' ages, weeks of gestation, or body mass indexes. Serum KYN level was calculated as 57.8 ± 13.4 pg/mL in IUGR, 75.3 ± 10.8 pg/mL in oligohydramnios and 95.1 ± 13.3 pg/mL in the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Serum KYN levels were lower in pregnant women complicated with FGR and oligohydramnios more prominently in pregnant women diagnosed with FGR than in normal pregnancies. The results suggest that KYN plays an important role in either the etiopathogenesis or the response to these two obstetric pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selen Yaman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Meryem Ceyhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Necati Hancerliogullari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Esin Merve Koc
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Tuba Candar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ufuk University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Aytekin Tokmak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye
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Schneider H, Albrecht C, Ahmed MS, Broekhuizen M, Aengenheister L, Buerki-Thurnherr T, Danser AHJ, Gil S, Hansson SR, Greupink R, Lewis RM, Markert UR, Mathiesen L, Powles-Glover N, Wadsack C, Brownbill P. Ex vivo dual perfusion of an isolated human placenta cotyledon: Towards protocol standardization and improved inter-centre comparability. Placenta 2022; 126:83-89. [PMID: 35785693 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Since the full development of the ex vivo dual perfusion model of the human placenta cotyledon, the technique has provided essential insight into how nutrients, lipids, gases, immunoglobulins, endocrine agents, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, nanoparticles, micro-organisms and parasites might traverse the maternofetal barrier. Additionally, the model has been instrumental in gaining a better understanding of the regulation of vascular tone, endocrinology and metabolism within this organ. The human placenta is unique amongst species in its anatomy and transfer modalities. This orthologous diversity therefore requires an appropriate consideration of placental transfer rates of compounds, particles and micro-organisms specific to humans. Different research centres have adapted this model with a wide variation in perfusion parameters, including in the establishment of perfusion, perfusate composition, gassing regime, cannulation method, flow rates, perfused tissue mass, and also in the application of quality control measures. The requirement to harmonise and standardise perfusion practice between centres is largely driven by the need to obtain consistency in our understanding of placental function, but also in the qualification of the model for acceptance by regulatory agencies in drug and toxicology testing. A pilot study is proposed, aiming to describe how existing inter-centre variation in perfusion methodology affects placental metabolism, protein synthesis, oxygen consumption, the materno-fetal transfer of key molecular markers, and placental structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Schneider
- Dept. Obstetrics & Gynecology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Switzerland.
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Institute of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Mahmoud S Ahmed
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Michelle Broekhuizen
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Leonie Aengenheister
- Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - A H Jan Danser
- Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Sophie Gil
- University Paris Cité, Placentech®, Paris, F-75014, France.
| | - Stefan R Hansson
- Lund University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Rick Greupink
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Udo R Markert
- Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| | - Line Mathiesen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Paul Brownbill
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, UK.
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Harris SE, Matthews KS, Palaiologou E, Tashev SA, Lofthouse EM, Pearson-Farr J, Goggin P, Chatelet DS, Johnston DA, Jongen MS, Page AM, Cleal JK, Lewis RM. Pericytes on placental capillaries in terminal villi preferentially cover endothelial junctions in regions furthest away from the trophoblast. Placenta 2020; 104:1-7. [PMID: 33190063 PMCID: PMC7921774 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Pericytes are a common feature in the placental microvasculature but their roles are not well understood. Pericytes may provide physical or endocrine support for endothelium and in some tissues mediate vasoconstriction. Methods This study uses serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) to generate three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of placental pericytes of the terminal villi and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to study pericyte endothelial cell interactions. The proportion of endothelial cell junctions covered by pericytes was determined. Results The detailed 3D models of placental pericytes show pericyte structure at a new level of detail. Placental pericytes have many fingers extending from the cell body which can span multiple capillary branches. The proportion of endothelial cell-cell junctions covered by pericytes was significantly higher than pericyte coverage of capillary endothelium as a whole (endothelium: 14%, junctions: 43%, p < 0.0001). However, the proportion of endothelial cell-cell junctions covered by pericytes in regions adjacent to trophoblast was reduced compared to regions >3 μm away from trophoblast (27% vs 62% respectively, p < 0.001). No junctional complexes were observed connecting pericytes and endothelial cells but there were regions of cell membrane with features suggestive of intercellular adhesions. Discussion These data suggest that the localisation of pericytes on the villous capillary is not random but organised in relation to both endothelial junctions and the location of adjacent trophoblast. This further suggests that pericyte coverage may favour capillary permeability in regions that are most important for exchange, but limit capillary permeability in other regions. Three-dimensional imaging highlights the structure of placental pericytes. Placental pericytes preferentially cover endothelial junctions. The proportion of covered junctions decreased in regions adjacent to trophoblasts. The localisation of placental pericytes suggests endothelial coverage is non-random. Junction coverage may alter capillary permeability in key regions of exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley E Harris
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Kate Sh Matthews
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Eleni Palaiologou
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Stanimir A Tashev
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Emma M Lofthouse
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | | | - Patricia Goggin
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - David S Chatelet
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - David A Johnston
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Maaike Sa Jongen
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Anton M Page
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Jane K Cleal
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, UK.
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Vascular changes in fetal growth restriction: clinical relevance and future therapeutics. J Perinatol 2019; 39:366-374. [PMID: 30518801 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-018-0287-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects about 5-10% pregnancies and is associated with poorer outcomes in the perinatal period. Additionally, long standing epidemiological data support its association with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Cardiac and vascular adaptations in response to chronic hypoxemia due to utero-placental insufficiency are hallmarks of fetal adaptations. Investigators have attempted to identify these changes in the placenta at the microscopic and molecular level. The ex vivo dual perfusion model of the placenta enables the study of placental haemodynamics in growth-restricted pregnancies. Persistent arterial abnormalities (thickness and stiffness) noted on vascular ultrasound during fetal life through to the young-adult age group for those affected by FGR, seem to be a plausible link between in utero events and chronic circulatory diseases. Using these, this review reflects current thought on vascular maladaptive changes in the FGR cohorts and the role in investigating current and future therapeutics.
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Jensen OE, Chernyavsky IL. Blood flow and transport in the human placenta. ANNUAL REVIEW OF FLUID MECHANICS 2019; 51:25-47. [PMID: 38410641 PMCID: PMC7615669 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-fluid-010518-040219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The placenta is a multi-functional organ that exchanges blood gases and nutrients between a mother and her developing fetus. In humans, fetal blood flows through intricate networks of vessels confined within villous trees, the branches of which are bathed in pools of maternal blood. Fluid mechanics and transport processes play a central role in understanding how these elaborate structures contribute to the function of the placenta, and how their disorganization may lead to disease. Recent advances in imaging and computation have spurred significant advances in simulations of fetal and maternal flows within the placenta, across a range of lengthscales. Models describe jets of maternal blood emerging from spiral arteries into a disordered and deformable porous medium, and solute uptake by fetal blood flowing through elaborate three-dimensional capillary networks. We survey recent developments and emerging challenges in modeling flow and transport in this complex organ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Igor L. Chernyavsky
- School of Mathematics, University of Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental
Biology & Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine
& Health, University of Manchester, UK
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8
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Desforges M, Rogue A, Pearson N, Rossi C, Olearo E, Forster R, Lees M, Sebire NJ, Greenwood SL, Sibley CP, David AL, Brownbill P. In Vitro Human Placental Studies to Support Adenovirus-Mediated VEGF-D ΔNΔC Maternal Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Severe Early-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2018; 29:10-23. [PMID: 29228803 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2017.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 1 in 500 pregnancies, is untreatable, and causes serious neonatal morbidity and death. Reduced uterine blood flow (UBF) is one cause. Transduction of uterine arteries in normal and FGR animal models using an adenovirus (Ad) encoding VEGF isoforms increases UBF and improves fetal growth in utero. Understanding potential adverse consequences of this therapy before first-in-woman clinical application is essential. The aims of this study were to determine whether Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC (1) transfers across the human placental barrier and (2) affects human placental morphology, permeability and primary indicators of placental function, and trophoblast integrity. Villous explants from normal term human placentas were treated with Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC (5 × 107-10 virus particles [vp]/mL), or virus formulation buffer (FB). Villous structural integrity (hematoxylin and eosin staining) and tissue accessibility (LacZ immunostaining) were determined. Markers of endocrine function (human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG] secretion) and cell death (lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] release) were assayed. Lobules from normal and FGR pregnancies underwent ex vivo dual perfusion with exposure to 5 × 1010 vp/mL Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC or FB. Perfusion resistance, para-cellular permeability, hCG, alkaline phosphatase, and LDH release were measured. Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC transfer across the placental barrier was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in DNA extracted from fetal-side venous perfusate, and by immunohistochemistry in fixed tissue. Villous explant structural integrity and hCG secretion was maintained at all Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC doses. Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC perfusion revealed no effect on placental permeability, fetoplacental vascular resistance, hCG secretion, or alkaline phosphatase release, but there was a minor elevation in maternal-side LDH release. Viral vector tissue access in both explant and perfused models was minimal, and the vector was rarely detected in the fetal venous perfusate and at low titer. Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC did not markedly affect human placental integrity and function in vitro. There was limited tissue access and transfer of vector across the placental barrier. Except for a minor elevation in LDH release, these test data did not reveal any toxic effects of Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC on the human placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Desforges
- 1 Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, University of Manchester , Manchester, United Kingdom .,2 St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nick Pearson
- 4 Pharmaceutical Sciences, pRED, F Hoffmann-La Roche , Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Rossi
- 5 Magnus Growth , London, United Kingdom .,6 Institute for Women's Health, University College London (UCL) , London, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Olearo
- 6 Institute for Women's Health, University College London (UCL) , London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mark Lees
- 5 Magnus Growth , London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil J Sebire
- 7 Institute of Child Health, University College London (UCL) , London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- 1 Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, University of Manchester , Manchester, United Kingdom .,2 St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Colin P Sibley
- 1 Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, University of Manchester , Manchester, United Kingdom .,2 St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Anna L David
- 6 Institute for Women's Health, University College London (UCL) , London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Brownbill
- 1 Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, University of Manchester , Manchester, United Kingdom .,2 St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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9
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Sibley CP, Brownbill P, Glazier JD, Greenwood SL. Knowledge needed about the exchange physiology of the placenta. Placenta 2018; 64 Suppl 1:S9-S15. [PMID: 29370939 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
There is now a basic understanding of the driving forces and mechanisms underlying rates of solute exchange across the placenta but there are still major gaps in knowledge. Here we summarise this basic understanding, whilst highlighting gaps in knowledge. We then focus on two particular areas where more knowledge is needed: (1) the electrical potential difference (PD) across the placenta and (2) the paracellular permeability of the placenta to hydrophilic solutes. In many species a PD has been recorded between a catheter in a maternal blood vessel and one in a fetal vessel. However, the key question is whether this PD is the same as that across the placental exchange barrier. We addressed this in the human placenta using microelectrodes to measure the PD in isolated villi in vitro; the transtrophoblast PD so measured had a median value of -3 mV (range 0-15 mV). There have been no subsequent studies to validate this measurement. The syncytiotrophoblast of haemochorial placentas lacks any obvious extracellular water filled paracellular space between the syncytial nuclei. However, in mouse, rat, guinea pig and human there is an inverse relationship between the rate of diffusion of inert hydrophilic solutes across the placenta and their molecular size. The simplest explanation is that a paracellular route exists but its morphological identity is still uncertain. Areas of syncytial denudation could provide a paracellular route but this has not been proven. Answers to these and similar questions are required to fully understand the exchange physiology of the normal placenta and how this is affected in pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK; St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.
| | - Paul Brownbill
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK; St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Jocelyn D Glazier
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK; St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK; St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
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10
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Brownbill P, Sebire N, McGillick EV, Ellery S, Murthi P. Ex Vivo Dual Perfusion of the Human Placenta: Disease Simulation, Therapeutic Pharmacokinetics and Analysis of Off-Target Effects. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1710:173-189. [PMID: 29197003 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7498-6_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years ex vivo dual perfusion of the human placental lobule is seeing an international renaissance in its application to understanding fetal health and development. Here, we discuss the methods and uses of this technique in the evaluation of (1) vascular function, (2) transplacental clearance, (3) hemodynamic and oxygenation changes associated with pregnancy complications on placental structure and function, and (4) placental toxicology and post-perfusion evaluation of tissue architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Brownbill
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
- St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - Neil Sebire
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Erin V McGillick
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Stacey Ellery
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Padma Murthi
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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11
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Pearce P, Brownbill P, Janáček J, Jirkovská M, Kubínová L, Chernyavsky IL, Jensen OE. Image-Based Modeling of Blood Flow and Oxygen Transfer in Feto-Placental Capillaries. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165369. [PMID: 27788214 PMCID: PMC5082864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, oxygen diffuses from maternal to fetal blood through villous trees in the placenta. In this paper, we simulate blood flow and oxygen transfer in feto-placental capillaries by converting three-dimensional representations of villous and capillary surfaces, reconstructed from confocal laser scanning microscopy, to finite-element meshes, and calculating values of vascular flow resistance and total oxygen transfer. The relationship between the total oxygen transfer rate and the pressure drop through the capillary is shown to be captured across a wide range of pressure drops by physical scaling laws and an upper bound on the oxygen transfer rate. A regression equation is introduced that can be used to estimate the oxygen transfer in a capillary using the vascular resistance. Two techniques for quantifying the effects of statistical variability, experimental uncertainty and pathological placental structure on the calculated properties are then introduced. First, scaling arguments are used to quantify the sensitivity of the model to uncertainties in the geometry and the parameters. Second, the effects of localized dilations in fetal capillaries are investigated using an idealized axisymmetric model, to quantify the possible effect of pathological placental structure on oxygen transfer. The model predicts how, for a fixed pressure drop through a capillary, oxygen transfer is maximized by an optimal width of the dilation. The results could explain the prevalence of fetal hypoxia in cases of delayed villous maturation, a pathology characterized by a lack of the vasculo-syncytial membranes often seen in conjunction with localized capillary dilations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Pearce
- School of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Paul Brownbill
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary’s Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Jiří Janáček
- Department of Biomathematics, Institute of Physiology, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Jirkovská
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Albertov 4, CZ-12801 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Kubínová
- Department of Biomathematics, Institute of Physiology, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Igor L. Chernyavsky
- School of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver E. Jensen
- School of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
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12
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Taweevisit M, Thorner PS. Maternal Floor Infarction/Massive Perivillous Fibrin Deposition Associated with Hypercoiling of a Single-Artery Umbilical Cord: A Case Report. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2016; 19:69-73. [PMID: 26275034 DOI: 10.2350/15-07-1673-cr.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Maternal floor infarction is a rare and idiopathic placental disorder associated with adverse obstetric outcomes and a high rate of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. The pathogenesis of maternal floor infarction is unclear but has been linked to diverse underlying maternal conditions, including gestational hypertension/preeclampsia, immune-mediated diseases, and thrombophilia. Few reports link maternal floor infarction to fetoplacental conditions. We report a 34-week, macerated, growth-restricted male fetus for which the placenta showed maternal floor infarction. The umbilical cord showed excessive coiling and a single umbilical artery. These cord changes are postulated to have resulted in increased placental villous resistance and decreased fetal blood flow, creating a hydrostatic pressure gradient between the villous stroma and the intervillous space. The pressure changes could then lead to trophoblast damage and fibrinoid deposition, contributing to the maternal floor infarction in this case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mana Taweevisit
- 1 Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 King Rama IV Street, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Paul Scott Thorner
- 1 Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 King Rama IV Street, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.,2 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, , Toronto, ON M5G1X8, Canada
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13
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Jones S, Bischof H, Lang I, Desoye G, Greenwood SL, Johnstone ED, Wareing M, Sibley CP, Brownbill P. Dysregulated flow-mediated vasodilatation in the human placenta in fetal growth restriction. J Physiol 2015; 593:3077-92. [PMID: 25920377 PMCID: PMC4532528 DOI: 10.1113/jp270495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased vascular resistance and reduced fetoplacental blood flow are putative aetiologies in the pathogenesis of fetal growth restriction (FGR); however, the regulating sites and mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesised that placental vessels dictate fetoplacental resistance and in FGR exhibit endothelial dysfunction and reduced flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMVD). Resistance was measured in normal pregnancies (n = 10) and FGR (n = 10) both in vivo by umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry and ex vivo by dual placental perfusion. Ex vivo FMVD is the reduction in fetal-side inflow hydrostatic pressure (FIHP) following increased flow rate. Results demonstrated a significant correlation between vascular resistance measured in vivo and ex vivo in normal pregnancy, but not in FGR. In perfused FGR placentas, vascular resistance was significantly elevated compared to normal placentas (58 ± 7.7 mmHg and 36.8 ± 4.5 mmHg, respectively; 8 ml min−1; means ± SEM; P < 0.0001) and FMVD was severely reduced (3.9 ± 1.3% and 9.1 ± 1.2%, respectively). In normal pregnancies only, the highest level of ex vivo FMVD was associated with the lowest in vivo resistance. Inhibition of NO synthesis during perfusion (100 μm l-NNA) moderately elevated FIHP in the normal group, but substantially in the FGR group. Human placenta artery endothelial cells from FGR groups exhibited increased shear stress-induced NO generation, iNOS expression and eNOS expression compared with normal groups. In conclusion, fetoplacental resistance is determined by placental vessels, and is increased in FGR. The latter also exhibit reduced FMVD, but with a partial compensatory increased NO generation capacity. The data support our hypothesis, which highlights the importance of FMVD regulation in normal and dysfunctional placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Helen Bischof
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Ingrid Lang
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sue L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Edward D Johnstone
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Mark Wareing
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Paul Brownbill
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
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14
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Spinillo A, Cesari S, Bariselli S, Tzialla C, Gardella B, Silini EM. Placental lesions associated with oligohydramnios in fetal growth restricted (FGR) pregnancies. Placenta 2015; 36:538-44. [PMID: 25735841 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aim of the study was to investigate the association between placental pathology and oligohydramnios in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR). METHODS Placentas from 221 consecutive FGR pregnancies and 63 healthy controls were studied. Pathological lesions were described according to consensus nomenclature and standardized criteria; both elementary lesions and constellations of lesions (patterns) were considered. Statistics included analysis of linear trends and multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Amniotic fluid index (AFI) was normal in 56 (25.3%) FGR pregnancies, whereas mild, moderate and severe oligohydramnios were diagnosed in 32 (14.5%), 44 (19.9%) and 89 (40.3%) subjects, respectively. In FGR pregnancies, after adjustment for potential confounders, membrane meconium staining (chi-square = 28.6, p < 0.001), chronic villous hypoxia pattern (chi-square = 18.8, p < 0.001) and fetal thrombotic vasculopathy pattern (chi-square = 9.2, p = 0.002) were positively and linearly correlated to AFI decrease. Odds ratios of meconium and chronic villous hypoxia were 9.2 (95% CI = 2.6-32.9) and 4.2 (95% CI = 1.3-13.6) in FGR pregnancies with normal AFI and 25.2 (95% CI = 6.9-91.8) and 9.7 (95% CI = 3-31.5) in those with severe oligohydramnios (p = 0.005 and p = 0.023 compared to normal AFI, respectively). DISCUSSION In FGR pregnancies, reduction of amniotic fluid volume is directly correlated to histological features of placental under-perfusion, meconium staining of membranes and fetal vascular damage. These findings support the clinical notion that in FGR pregnancies oligohydramnios is a risk factor of fetal hypoxia and possibly of increased adverse neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Spinillo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Italy.
| | - S Cesari
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - S Bariselli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - C Tzialla
- Department of Neonatology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - B Gardella
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - E M Silini
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences, Unit of Surgical Pathology, and Center for Molecular and Translational Oncology (COMT), University of Parma, Italy
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15
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Hiccups and amniotic fluid regulation in early pregnancy. Med Hypotheses 2015; 84:448-50. [PMID: 25754848 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2015.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hiccups are an unexplained phenomenon and a subject of medical curiosity. They arise through a reflex arc with central control at the level of the medulla, and their primary physiological effect is the generation of negative intra-thoracic pressure. This paper presents the hypothesis that hiccups serve a purpose during the first half of gestation, when they are most prevalent; namely, that they promote amniotic fluid influx to the primitive gut, allowing fluid to be transferred to the foetal and then maternal vasculature. Furthermore, hiccups could be provoked by increasing amniotic fluid volume and pressure, and act in a regulatory capacity. This hypothesis could be tested by studying foetal movements in the first half of gestation, and assessing whether there is correlation with amniotic fluid flux in the developing gut. Ascertaining whether hiccups increase in frequency with increasing amniotic fluid volume would provide evidence for or against a regulatory function.
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16
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Elad D, Levkovitz R, Jaffa AJ, Desoye G, Hod M. Have We Neglected the Role of Fetal Endothelium in Transplacental Transport? Traffic 2013; 15:122-6. [DOI: 10.1111/tra.12130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Elad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
| | - Riki Levkovitz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
| | - Ariel J. Jaffa
- Ultrasound Unit in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital; Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Tel Aviv 64239 Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Medical University of Graz; Graz A-8036 Austria
| | - Moshe Hod
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center; Petach Tikva 9100 Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
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17
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18
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Cindrova-Davies T, Herrera EA, Niu Y, Kingdom J, Giussani DA, Burton GJ. Reduced cystathionine γ-lyase and increased miR-21 expression are associated with increased vascular resistance in growth-restricted pregnancies: hydrogen sulfide as a placental vasodilator. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 182:1448-58. [PMID: 23410520 PMCID: PMC3608014 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Increased vascular impedance in the fetoplacental circulation is associated with fetal hypoxia and growth restriction. We sought to investigate the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in regulating vasomotor tone in the fetoplacental vasculature. H2S is produced endogenously by catalytic activity of cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). Immunohistochemical analysis localized CSE to smooth muscle cells encircling arteries in stem villi. Immunoreactivity was reduced in placentas from pregnancies with severe early-onset growth-restriction and preeclampsia displaying abnormal umbilical artery Doppler waveforms compared with preeclamptic placentas with normal waveforms and controls. These findings were confirmed at the protein and mRNA levels. MicroRNA-21, which negatively regulates CSE expression, was increased in placentas with abnormal Doppler waveforms. Exposure of villus explants to hypoxia-reoxygenation significantly reduced CSE protein and mRNA and increased microRNA-21 expression. No changes were observed in cystathionine β-synthase expression, immunolocalized principally to the trophoblast, in pathologic placentas or in vitro. Finally, perfusion of normal placentas with an H2S donor, after preconstriction with a thromboxane mimetic, resulted in dose-dependent vasorelaxation. Glibenclamide and NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester partially blocked the effect, indicating that H2S acts through ATP-sensitive K+ channels and nitric oxide synthesis. These results demonstrate that H2S is a powerful vasodilator of the placental vasculature and that expression of CSE is reduced in placentas associated with increased vascular resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Cindrova-Davies
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
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19
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Adapting in vitro dual perfusion of the human placenta to soluble oxygen tensions associated with normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancy. J Transl Med 2011; 91:181-9. [PMID: 20921952 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2010.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, superoxic ex vivo dual perfusion of the human placental lobule has been used as a model to study the physiology and metabolism of the placenta. The aim of this study was to further develop the technique to enable perfusion at soluble oxygen concentrations similar to those in normal pregnancy (normoxia) and in pre-eclampsia (PE; hypoxia). Our design involved reducing the mean soluble oxygen tension in the maternal-side intervillous space (IVS) perfusate to 5-7% and <3% for normoxia and hypoxia, respectively, while providing a more ubiquitous delivery of perfusate into the IVS, using 22 maternal-side cannulae. We achieved quasi-steady states in [O₂](fetal venous (soluble)), which were statistically different between the two adaptations at t=150 to t=240 min of dual perfusion (2.1, 1.2, 2.8 and 0.4, 0.0, 1.5%; median, 25th, 75th percentiles, n=20 and 24 readings in n=5 and n=6 lobules, normoxic and hypoxic perfusion, respectively; P<0.001, Mann-Whitney U-test). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in fetal and maternal venous outflow perfusates were unaffected by the adaptations. There was also no difference in tissue lactate release between the two adaptations. Glucose consumption from the fetal circulation and maternal-side 'venous' pyruvate release were higher under normoxic conditions, indicative of a greater metabolic flux through glycolysis. Furthermore, there was greater release of the hypoxic-sensitive marker, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, into the maternal venous perfusate in the hypoxic model. Also, during hypoxic perfusion, we found that fetal-side venous placental growth factor (PlGF) levels were higher compared with normoxic perfusion. We conclude that these ex vivo adapted methods of placental perfusion provide a means of studying aspects of placental metabolism in relation to normal oxygenation and hypoxia-associated pregnancy disease.
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20
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Taweevisit M, Thorner PS. Maternal floor infarction associated with oligohydramnios and cystic renal dysplasia: report of 2 cases. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2010; 13:116-20. [PMID: 20017640 DOI: 10.2350/09-06-0669-cr.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Maternal floor infarction (MFI) is an unusual, idiopathic placental disorder characterized by deposition of amorphous fibrinoid material along the maternal aspect of the intervillous space. This condition is associated with poor perinatal outcome-in particular, spontaneous abortion-fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth, with a high recurrence rate in subsequent pregnancies. It is unknown whether MFI is a single entity or the common end point of different insults. Most studies have linked MFI to underlying maternal disorders including gestational hypertension, autoimmune disease, and thrombophilia. In contrast, there have been only a few case reports regarding the possibility of a fetal basis for MFI. We report 2 cases of MFI in fetuses who suffered from oligohydramnios as a result of bilateral cystic renal dysplasia. These 2 cases suggest the concept that fetoplacental factors may also play a role in MFI. It is speculated that the mechanism might involve changes in intrauterine hydrostatic pressure gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mana Taweevisit
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 King Rama IV Street, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand.
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21
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Minzter BH, Johnson RF, Paschall RL, Ramasubramanian R, Ayers GD, Downing JW. The diverse effects of vasopressors on the fetoplacental circulation of the dual perfused human placenta. Anesth Analg 2009; 110:857-62. [PMID: 20032025 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0b013e3181c91ebc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We studied the effects of 5 vasopressors on fetal arterial perfusion pressure (FAP) in vitro using the dual perfused, single isolated cotyledon, human placental model. METHODS In 29 separate experiments, epinephrine (75 mg), norepinephrine (75 mg), ephedrine (50 mg), phenylephrine (2 mg), and methoxamine (40 mg) were introduced into the 250-mL reservoir serving the maternal perfusion circuit to determine the effect of each drug on FAP. The duration of drug exposure for each placental cotyledon was approximately 180 minutes. RESULTS After 180 minutes, FAP (mean +/- sd) increased significantly with ephedrine from 64 +/- 3 to 172 +/- 71 mm Hg (P < 0.001) and with phenylephrine from 81 +/- 4 to 132 +/- 11 mm Hg (P = 0.003). No changes in FAP were seen with epinephrine, norepinephrine, and methoxamine. CONCLUSIONS In the dual perfused, single isolated cotyledon, human placental model, exposure of the maternal circulation to ephedrine and phenylephrine caused an increase in FAP, whereas exposure to norepinephrine, epinephrine, and methoxamine did not. The pharmacodynamic mechanisms underlying these differences have yet to be explained. Thus, the clinical implications of the findings are as yet unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth H Minzter
- Division of Anesthesiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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22
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Hutchinson E, Brownbill P, Jones N, Abrahams V, Baker P, Sibley C, Crocker I. Utero-Placental Haemodynamics in the Pathogenesis of Pre-Eclampsia. Placenta 2009; 30:634-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2009.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2008] [Revised: 04/06/2009] [Accepted: 04/28/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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23
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Jones N, Hutchinson E, Brownbill P, Crocker I, Eccles D, Bugg G, Raine-Fenning N. In Vitro Dual Perfusion of Human Placental Lobules as a Flow Phantom to Investigate the Relationship between Fetoplacental Flow and Quantitative 3D Power Doppler Angiography. Placenta 2009; 30:130-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2008] [Revised: 10/09/2008] [Accepted: 11/03/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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24
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Vasoactivity to and endogenous release of vascular endothelial growth factor in the in vitro perfused human placental lobule from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Placenta 2008; 29:950-5. [PMID: 18845336 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2008] [Revised: 08/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent, physiologically relevant, vasodilator of the human term fetoplacental vasculature of placental lobules from normal pregnancy. There is evidence that VEGF and its receptors are dysregulated in preeclampsia (PE). Here, we used dual perfusion of the human placental lobule to test the hypothesis that the VEGF vasodilatory effect on the fetoplacental circulation is altered in PE and examined how vascular responsiveness relates to circulating levels of free VEGF in fetal sera in this disease. Umbilical cord sera and fetal venous perfusate concentrations of free VEGF from pregnancies complicated with PE were significantly lower compared to the normal group (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). There was elevated in vitro placental release of the sequestrating soluble receptor, sVEGFR-1, into the fetal-side perfusate with PE compared to the normal group (P<0.05). The umbilical sera PlGF-1 level was higher by an order of magnitude in the fetal circulation in PE compared to normal pregnancy (P<0.0001), with the placenta appearing to contribute appreciably to these levels. Placental net contribution to maternal systemic free VEGF levels appeared to be negligible in both groups. sVEGFR-1 levels were elevated in the maternal-side venous perfusate with PE compared to the normal pregnancy (P<0.01). Perfused lobules from PE pregnancy exhibited an enhanced fetoplacental vasodilatory response to exogenous VEGF (P<0.001), with a longer recovery time (P<0.05), compared to the normal control group. Extrapolation of our combined functional and biochemical data suggests that a decrease in the in vivo circulating levels of free VEGF in PE is likely to contribute to compromised fetoplacental vascular patency in this disease.
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25
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Liu H, Zheng Z, Wintour E. Aquaporins and Fetal Fluid Balance. Placenta 2008; 29:840-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2008] [Revised: 07/20/2008] [Accepted: 07/24/2008] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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26
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Brownbill P, McKeeman GC, Brockelsby JC, Crocker IP, Sibley CP. Vasoactive and permeability effects of vascular endothelial growth factor-165 in the term in vitro dually perfused human placental lobule. Endocrinology 2007; 148:4734-44. [PMID: 17640983 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-0180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important vasodilator and effector of permeability in systemic blood vessels. Molecular and tissue culture techniques have provided evidence for its placental synthesis and release. Using an in vitro dual-perfusion model of the term placental lobule from normal pregnancy, we report here the relative secretion of total VEGF, soluble VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-1, and free VEGF into the maternal and fetoplacental circulations of the placenta. We tested the hypothesis that VEGF has vasomotor and permeability effects in the fetoplacental circulation of the human placenta, and we examined the broad intracellular pathways involved in the vasodilatory effect that we found. We show that total VEGF is released into the fetal and maternal circulations in a bipolar fashion, with a bias toward maternal side output. Soluble VEGFR-1 was also secreted into both circulations with bias toward the maternal side. Consequently, free VEGF (12.8 +/- 2.4 pg/ml, mean +/- se) was found only in the fetoplacental circulation. VEGF-165 was found to be a potent vasodilator of the fetoplacental circulation (maximum response: 77% of previous steady-state fetal-side inflow hydrostatic pressure after preconstriction with U46619; EC(50) = 71 pm). This vasodilatory effect was mediated by the VEGFR-2 receptor and nitric oxide in a manner-independent of the involvement of prostacyclin and the src-family tyrosine kinases. However, nitric oxide could explain only 50% of the vasodilatory effect. Finally, we measured the permeability of the perfused placenta to inert hydrophilic tracers and found no difference in the presence and absence of VEGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Brownbill
- University Research Floor, St. Mary's Hospital, Hathersage Road, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
Water arrives in the mammalian gestation from the maternal circulation across the placenta. It then circulates between the fetal water compartments, including the fetal body compartments, the placenta and the amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is created by the flow of fluid from the fetal lung and bladder. A major pathway for amniotic fluid resorption is fetal swallowing; however, in many cases the amounts of fluid produced and absorbed do not balance. A second resorption pathway, the intramembranous pathway (across the amnion to the fetal circulation), has been proposed to explain the maintenance of normal amniotic fluid volume. Amniotic fluid volume is thus a function both of the amount of water transferred to the gestation across the placental membrane, and the flux of water across the amnion. Water flux across biologic membranes may be driven by osmotic or hydrostatic forces; existing data suggest that intramembranous flow in humans is driven by the osmotic difference between the amniotic fluid and the fetal serum. The driving force for placental flow is more controversial, and both forces may be in effect. The mechanism(s) responsible for regulating water flow to and from the amniotic fluid is unknown. In other parts of the body, notably the kidney, water flux is regulated by the expression of aquaporin water channels on the cell membrane. We hypothesize that aquaporins have a role in regulating water flux across both the amnion and the placenta, and present evidence in support of this theory. Current knowledge of gestational water flow is sufficient to allow prediction of fetal outcome when water flow is abnormal, as in twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Further insight into these mechanisms may allow novel treatments for amniotic fluid volume abnormalities with resultant improvement in clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Beall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 W. Carson Street, Box 3, Torrance, CA 90502, USA.
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Beall MH, van den Wijngaard JPHM, van Gemert MJC, Ross MG. Amniotic fluid water dynamics. Placenta 2007; 28:816-23. [PMID: 17254633 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2006.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2006] [Revised: 11/28/2006] [Accepted: 11/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Water arrives in the mammalian gestation from the maternal circulation across the placenta. It then circulates between the fetal water compartments, including the fetal body compartments, the placenta and the amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is created by the flow of fluid from the fetal lung and bladder. A major pathway for amniotic fluid resorption is fetal swallowing; however in many cases the amounts of fluid produced and absorbed do not balance. A second resorption pathway, the intramembranous pathway (across the amnion to the fetal circulation), has been proposed to explain the maintenance of normal amniotic fluid volume. Amniotic fluid volume is thus a function both of the amount of water transferred to the gestation across the placental membrane, and the flux of water across the amnion. Membrane water flux is a function of the water permeability of the membrane; available data suggests that the amnion is the structure limiting intramembranous water flow. In the placenta, the syncytiotrophoblast is likely to be responsible for limiting water flow across the placenta. In human tissues, placental trophoblast membrane permeability increases with gestational age, suggesting a mechanism for the increased water flow necessary in late gestation. Membrane water flow can be driven by both hydrostatic and osmotic forces. Changes in both osmotic/oncotic and hydrostatic forces in the placenta my alter maternal-fetal water flow. A normal amniotic fluid volume is critical for normal fetal growth and development. The study of amniotic fluid volume regulation may yield important insights into the mechanisms used by the fetus to maintain water homeostasis. Knowledge of these mechanisms may allow novel treatments for amniotic fluid volume abnormalities with resultant improvement in clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Beall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 W. Carson St., Box 3, Torrance, CA 90502, USA.
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