Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation
Published on: April 14, 2023
Assessing SSRIs' effects on fetal cardiomyocytes utilizing placenta-fetus model
Navein Arumugasaamy1, Amelia Hurley-Novatny2, Josephine Lembong2
1Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Center for Engineering Complex Tissues, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can harm fetal heart cells. This study shows SSRIs cross the placental barrier, impacting cardiomyocyte function and cardiac injury biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Pharmacology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used during pregnancy.
- SSRIs may negatively affect fetal cardiovascular development by altering ion signaling.
- Limited in vitro models exist to study SSRI effects on fetal cardiac cells via the placenta.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardiotoxicity of SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline) on fetal cardiomyocytes.
- To assess SSRI effects on cardiomyocyte calcium handling and cardiac injury biomarkers.
- To evaluate SSRI impact after passage through an in vitro placental barrier model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an in vitro placental barrier model co-cultured with cardiomyocytes.
- Measured cardiomyocyte calcium oscillations.
- Quantified cardiac injury biomarkers: troponin T, creatine kinase-MB, and NT-proBNP.
Main Results:
- SSRIs, fluoxetine and sertraline, slowed cardiomyocyte calcium oscillations.
- SSRIs increased troponin T and creatine kinase-MB secretion.
- SSRIs reduced NT-proBNP secretion, with amplified effects after placental passage.
Conclusions:
- SSRIs can induce cardiotoxicity in fetal cardiomyocytes following placental transfer.
- This study establishes a novel in vitro platform for assessing drug effects on fetal cardiac cells.
- Findings highlight potential risks of SSRI use during pregnancy for fetal heart development.
