[PLACENTAL BED RESEARCH - UNDERSTANDING THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF THE GREAT OBSTETRICAL SYNDROMES]

Research on the placenta bed - the interface between the mother and the fetus, substantially contributed to the understanding of the pathophysiology of the so-called great obstetrical syndromes (preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm labor, placental abruption). The physiological modifications of the utero-placental spiral arteries was the key finding, thereafter, many other unique physiological and pathophysiological changes were discovered, specifically related to these clinical syndromes. In the current issue, a group of researchers from the Edith Wolfson's Obstetrics and Gynecology Department present their lengthy experience in placental bed histopathological research in various clinical syndromes such as preeclampsia, preterm delivery and fetal growth restriction. In addition, a unique study using the dual-perfused single cotyledon model was performed to evaluate the effects of MgSO4 and Labetalol on placental blood vessel reactivity in response to angiotensin II. This outstanding collaboration between clinical and histopathological researchers should be encouraged and hopefully performed in many other medical centers.