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In Vitro Culture of Epithelial Cells from Different Anatomical Regions of the Human Amniotic Membrane
Published on: November 28, 2019
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Human amnion epithelial cells modulate the inflammatory response to ventilation in preterm lambs
Jacqueline M Melville1, Courtney A McDonald1, Robert J Bischof1
1The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Plos One
|March 28, 2017
Summary
Human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) reduce lung injury in preterm lambs by modulating pulmonary inflammation during mechanical ventilation. This intervention shows promise for protecting neonates against respiratory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mechanical ventilation in preterm neonates can cause lung inflammation, injury, and long-term respiratory issues.
- Early modulation of the inflammatory response is crucial for reducing lung injury and its complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) on immune activation and lung injury in preterm lambs undergoing mechanical ventilation.
Main Methods:
- Preterm lambs received intratracheal and intravenous hAECs or vehicle before 2 hours of mechanical ventilation.
- Lung histology, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell phenotypes, and cytokine profiles were analyzed.
- Comparisons were made between hAEC-treated, vehicle-treated, and unventilated control groups.
Main Results:
- hAEC treatment significantly reduced histological indices of lung injury compared to vehicle controls.
- Ventilation-induced pulmonary leukocyte recruitment was higher in hAEC-treated lambs.
- While IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA increased with ventilation, IL-8 mRNA was elevated only in vehicle-treated lambs. Specific lymphocyte and macrophage populations were altered by hAEC treatment.
Conclusions:
- Human amnion epithelial cells effectively modulate the pulmonary inflammatory response to mechanical ventilation in preterm lambs.
- hAECs demonstrate a protective effect against acute lung injury in this model.
- These findings suggest hAECs may offer a therapeutic strategy to prevent long-term respiratory diseases in preterm neonates.
