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Lactate movements in the term human placenta in situ
F Piquard1, A Schaefer, P Dellenbach
1Institut de Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Louis-Pasteur, Strasbourg, France.
Biology of the Neonate
|January 1, 1990
Summary
The human fetus produces lactate, transferring it to the placenta for metabolism or transfer to the mother. This study investigates lactate and proton movement across the placenta in late pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Human Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lactate is a key metabolic byproduct in fetal development.
- Understanding placental transport is crucial for fetal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the movement and fate of lactate in the human placenta in situ.
- To analyze the relationship between lactate and proton transfer across the placenta.
Main Methods:
- Maternal and fetal blood sampling under physiological conditions.
- Multiple linear regression analysis of umbilical arterio-venous lactate differences and concentrations.
Main Results:
- The human fetus produces lactate, which is transferred to the placenta near term.
- Evidence supports coupled lactate and proton transfer.
- Lactate is partially metabolized within the placenta.
Conclusions:
- The placenta plays a role in metabolizing fetal lactate.
- A significant portion of fetal lactate is transferred from the placenta to the mother.