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Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Platelet Formation from Human Cord Blood-derived CD34+ Cells
Published on: December 27, 2017
Isolation of megakaryocytes from human placentae
M J Woods1, M Greaves, P V Lawford
1Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2JF, UK.
Platelets
|November 4, 2010
Summary
The human placenta may be a site for fetal platelet production. Researchers isolated megakaryocytes (MKs) from placental perfusates, suggesting MKs shed cytoplasm to form platelets in fetal circulation.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Pulmonary vasculature is a known site for megakaryocyte (MK) cytoplasmic shedding, suggesting lung-based platelet production.
- Fetal lungs receive limited blood flow, prompting investigation into alternative intrauterine sites for platelet formation.
- Intrauterine platelet production by megakaryocytes (MKs) has not been previously studied in the human placenta.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the human placenta as a potential site for fetal platelet production.
- To isolate and characterize megakaryocytes (MKs) from fetal placental vasculature.
- To explore the physiological role of MKs in intrauterine platelet formation.
Main Methods:
- Human placentae were perfused retrogradely and anterogradely via the fetal vasculature immediately post-delivery.
- Megakaryocytes (MKs) were harvested from perfusates using a 'whole blood filtration' method.
- Isolated MKs were identified using morphological and immunochemical analyses.
Main Results:
- Megakaryocytes (MKs) were successfully isolated from all placental perfusates.
- MKs with abundant cytoplasm were more prevalent in perfusates from fetal arteries than veins.
- Findings suggest MKs undergo cytoplasmic fragmentation within the placental microcirculation, consistent with platelet formation.
Conclusions:
- The human placenta serves as a viable site for harvesting fetal megakaryocytes (MKs).
- Evidence supports the placenta's role in intrauterine platelet production through MK cytoplasmic shedding.
- This technique facilitates further research into the physiological functions of fetal MKs.
