Discovery and Characterization of Human Amniochorionic Membrane Microfractures.
Lauren S Richardson1, Gracie Vargas2, Tyra Brown2
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas.
The American Journal of Pathology
|September 24, 2017
Summary
This study reveals microfractures in fetal membranes, indicating structural damage. Increased microfractures in preterm births and with oxidative stress suggest a predisposition to membrane rupture.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Cell Biology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Human fetal amniochorionic membranes are crucial for pregnancy.
- Structural integrity of these membranes is vital to prevent preterm birth.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in pregnancy complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visually characterize structural alterations in fetal membranes.
- To investigate the impact of labor, preterm birth, and oxidative stress on membrane structure.
- To identify microfractures as potential indicators of membrane rupture risk.
Main Methods:
- Collected amniochorions from various delivery types (term, preterm, premature rupture of membranes).
- Exposed term membranes to cigarette smoke extract to simulate oxidative stress in vitro.
- Utilized multiphoton autofluorescence and second harmonic generation microscopy for 3D imaging.
- Analyzed images using ImageJ and IMARIS software.
Main Results:
- Identified microfractures characterized by cell puckering, basement membrane degradation, and tunnels.
- Term membranes showed increased microfracture width and depth during labor.
- Oxidative stress increased microfracture numbers and dimensions in term membranes.
- Preterm premature rupture of membranes exhibited the highest number of microfractures.
Conclusions:
- Microfractures represent structural remodeling and potential failure points in fetal membranes.
- Increased microfractures in preterm births and under oxidative stress highlight vulnerability.
- These findings suggest microfractures may predispose membranes to rupture.
