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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Determination of the Transport Rate of Xenobiotics and Nanomaterials Across the Placenta using the ex vivo Human Placental Perfusion Model
Published on: June 18, 2013
A possible interpretation for a wide range of resting membrane potentials in human term placental cells
1Ste-Justine Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract:
Membrane potentials of human term placental cells ranged from 0 mV to -85 mV with two peaks. Two different conductances were recognized. One is the inwardly rectifying K conductance which was responsible for one peak at -75 mV. The other one was the outwardly rectifying conductance which was responsible for another peak at -10 mV. The outwardly rectifying current was suggested to be carried mainly by Cl ions because of the reversal potential and a sensitivity to a Cl channel blocker (DIDS). Membrane potentials in human term placental cells were suggested to range between K and Cl equilibrium potentials.
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