Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2025
08:50
A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
Published on: June 24, 2020
3.8K
Placental Inflammation Leads to Abnormal Embryonic Heart Development
Eleanor J Ward1, Serena Bert1, Silvia Fanti1
1William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, UK (E.J.W., S.B., S.F., C.G., N.P.D., M.P., F.M.M.-B., S.N.).
Circulation
|December 9, 2022
Summary
Neutrophil-driven placental inflammation impairs embryonic heart development by allowing maternal monocytes to infiltrate the fetal heart. Preventing placental inflammation can restore normal cardiac function postnatally.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Placental and embryonic heart development are linked, with poor placentation associated with congenital heart disease.
- Mechanisms linking placental issues to congenital heart disease are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how neutrophil-driven placental inflammation affects embryonic heart development.
- To determine if interventions targeting placental inflammation can prevent fetal cardiac defects.
Main Methods:
- Induced neutrophil-driven placental inflammation in mice by depleting maternal neutrophils.
- Assessed placental and embryonic heart development using histology, flow cytometry, and RNA sequencing.
- Evaluated postnatal cardiac function and structure in offspring.
Main Results:
- Placental inflammation led to poor placental development and loss of barrier function.
- Maternal inflammatory monocytes migrated to the embryonic heart, altering cardiac macrophage composition and tissue structure.
- Cardiac defects persisted into postnatal life, impacting tissue architecture and function.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophil-driven placental inflammation causes embryonic heart defects via impaired placental development.
- Preventing placental inflammation mitigates fetal cardiac defects and promotes normal postnatal cardiac function.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Development of Blood Vessels
688
The development of the vascular system in a fetus is a complex and intricate process that begins as early as 15 to 16 days post-conception. This process starts outside the embryo, specifically in the mesoderm of the yolk sac, chorion, and connecting stalk. Approximately two days later, the formation of blood vessels occurs within the embryo itself.
The initial formation of this system is facilitated by the small amount of yolk present in the ovum and yolk sac. Blood vessels originate from...
The initial formation of this system is facilitated by the small amount of yolk present in the ovum and yolk sac. Blood vessels originate from...
688
01:27Development of the Heart
1.1K
The development of the human heart, a crucial organ, commences from the mesoderm on the 18th or 19th day after fertilization. This process initiates in the cardiogenic area, a group of mesodermal cells at the embryo's head end, which evolves into elongated strands known as cardiogenic cords. These cords undergo a transformation to form hollow-centered endocardial tubes.
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart...
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart...
1.1K
01:14Fetal Circulation
1.2K
Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
1.2K
01:07Teratogenicity
2.6K
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
2.6K
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
20
Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
20
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
29
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
29