Related Experiment Videos
Distensible transtrophoblastic channels in the rat placenta
S Kertschanska1, B Stulcová, P Kaufmann
1Department of Anatomy II, University of Technology Aachen, Aachen, D-52057, Germany. skertschanska@post.klinikum.rwth-aachen.de
Placenta
|September 14, 2000
Summary
The rat placenta has pressure-sensitive paracellular pathways. Elevated fetal pressure opens these pathways, allowing fluid and marker passage between maternal and fetal compartments.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- The placental barrier's permeability is crucial for fetal development.
- Understanding paracellular transport mechanisms is key to placental function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence and nature of paracellular pathways in the rat haemotrichorial placenta.
- To determine the influence of hydrostatic pressure on fetomaternal fluid exchange.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was employed using lanthanum hydroxide as an electron-dense tracer.
- Near-term rat placentae were perfused in situ, with lanthanum introduced into the fetal circulation.
- Fetal hydrostatic pressure was manipulated to induce fetomaternal fluid filtration.
Main Results:
- Under normal pressure, lanthanum outlined subendothelial spaces and inner trophoblast tubules.
- Elevated fetal pressure caused significant fluid shift and distended trophoblast tubules.
- Lanthanum progressively traversed middle and outer trophoblast layers, reaching the maternal surface.
Conclusions:
- The rat placental barrier possesses pressure-dependent paracellular pathways.
- These pathways connect maternal and fetal extracellular compartments.
- Hydrostatic pressure influences the permeability of the placental barrier.