Permeability of the amniotic membrane and its potential application for transplantation purposes

Uncertainty still exists as to the immunologic and physiologic properties of human amnion. It is clear, however, that these cells have a unique function and ultrastructure and may lack histocompatibility antigens. This raises the possibility of using the amnion for the replacement of a defective tissue or to protect an incompatible graft. In addition, the amniotic epithelial cells could be used to treat patients with inborn errors of metabolism. With this in mind, we have investigated the in vitro transfer of a number of compounds across the human amniotic membrane and furthermore have assessed the suitability of the amnion for transplantation purposes in an experimental model.