Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 4, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
08:50

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

3.1K

Bacteria localization and chorion thinning among preterm premature rupture of membranes

Kimberly B Fortner1, Chad A Grotegut2, Carla E Ransom1

  • 1Division Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America.

Plos One
|January 15, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fetal membranes show thinning at rupture sites, most pronounced in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Bacterial presence is highest in PPROM and inversely correlates with chorion thinning, suggesting a link between bacteria and membrane integrity.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Obstetrics
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Bacterial colonization's role in fetal membrane rupture is unclear.
  • Previous studies indicated chorion thinning in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).
  • This study prospectively investigates fetal membrane thinning and bacterial presence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively examine fetal membrane chorion thinning.
  • To correlate chorion thinning with bacterial presence in PPROM, preterm, and term pregnancies.
  • To understand the pathogenesis of membrane rupture.

Main Methods:

  • Paired fetal membrane samples were collected from PPROM, preterm labor (PTL), preterm no labor (PTNL), term labor (TL), and term no labor (TNL) subjects.
  • Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to assess chorion layer thickness and bacterial presence.
  • Statistical analyses included Student's t-test, linear mixed-effects models, and Poisson regression.

Main Results:

  • Fetal chorion was significantly thinner at rupture sites compared to distant sites across all groups (147.2 vs. 253.7 µm).
  • Chorion thinning was most pronounced in PPROM subjects compared to all other groups.
  • Bacterial counts were highest in PPROM subjects and inversely correlated with chorion thinning, even when excluding histologic chorioamnionitis.

Conclusions:

  • Fetal chorion exhibits uniform thinning at rupture sites.
  • PPROM is associated with pronounced global chorion thinning.
  • Increased bacterial presence in PPROM is inversely correlated with chorion thinning, though causality remains uncertain.

More Related Videos

Human Placental and Decidual Organ Cultures to Study Infections at the Maternal-fetal Interface07:04

Human Placental and Decidual Organ Cultures to Study Infections at the Maternal-fetal Interface

Published on: July 21, 2016

21.7K
Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

10.5K

Related Concept Videos

Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
65
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
61