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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
08:08
Determination of the Transport Rate of Xenobiotics and Nanomaterials Across the Placenta using the ex vivo Human Placental Perfusion Model
Published on: June 18, 2013
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Glyburide transport across the human placenta
Rachelle A Schwartz1, Barak Rosenn, Katarina Aleksa
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, New York; and the Division of Clinical Pharmacology/Toxicology, The Hospital for Sick Children, and the Leslie Dan School of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 3, 2015
Summary
Transplacental transfer of glyburide in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is highly variable. Most neonates had low glyburide levels, with 79% below 10 ng/mL, indicating minimal fetal exposure.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication.
- Glyburide is an oral hypoglycemic agent used to manage GDM.
- Understanding glyburide's transplacental transfer is crucial for neonatal safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the extent of glyburide transfer across the placenta in women with GDM.
- To assess the relationship between maternal glyburide dosage and fetal exposure.
- To determine the variability of glyburide levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving 19 women with GDM on glyburide therapy.
- Maternal and umbilical venous blood samples collected immediately postpartum.
- Glyburide concentrations measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- Mean maternal glyburide level was 15.4 ng/mL; mean umbilical level was 7.5 ng/mL (r=0.72, P<.01).
- Significant correlation found between maternal dose and both maternal (r=0.46, P≤.01) and umbilical (r=0.43, P≤.01) glyburide levels.
- Wide variability observed; 79% of neonates had cord glyburide levels <10 ng/mL.
Conclusions:
- Transplacental transfer of glyburide is highly variable, suggesting fetal-to-maternal efflux.
- Most neonates exposed to maternal glyburide therapy exhibit low levels (<10 ng/mL).
- Findings support the safety profile of glyburide in GDM management regarding fetal exposure.
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