			Home About us Contact

Fetal Membranes (fetal + membrane)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	78%
Life Sciences	21%

Kinds of Fetal Membranes

human fetal membrane

Selected Abstracts

RAPID EFFECT OF PROGESTERONE ON TRANSEPITHELIAL RESISTANCE OF HUMAN FETAL MEMBRANES: EVIDENCE FOR NON-GENOMIC ACTION

CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008
CH Verikouki
SUMMARY 1The factors that regulate human fetal membrane transport mechanisms are unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of progesterone on transepithelial electrical resistance (RTE) in the human amniochorion. 2Fetal membranes from uncomplicated term pregnancies were obtained immediately after vaginal or Caesarean deliveries. Intact pieces were mounted as planar sheets separating an Ussing chamber. Progesterone (10,4 to 10,7 mol/L), mifepristone (10,4 to 10,8 mol/L) and combinations of progesterone plus mifepristone were applied to the chambers facing the fetal or maternal sides of the membrane. The RTE was measured before and 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45 and 60 min after each solution was added (at 37°C). The RTE was calculated in ,.cm2, according to Ohm's law. 3The mean (±SEM) basal value of RTE before the application of any substance in all experiments was 29.1 ± 0.4 ,.cm2., The net change in the RTE (,RTE) in relation to the basal value was calculated in each experiment. Progesterone, mifepristone and the combination of progesterone and mifepristone induced a rapid, surge-type increase in RTE during the 1st min on both sides of the membrane. The combination of progesterone plus mifepristone exerted a synergistic action. The effect was stronger on the fetal side than on the maternal side for all substances tested (P < 0.05). The highest ,RTE during the 1st min on the fetal side was seen with the combination of progesterone plus mifepristone (4.0 ± 0.3 ,.cm2) and the lowest ,RTE occurred with mifepristone (1.5 ± 0.1 ,.cm2). 4The present results demonstrated that the RTE of human fetal membranes increases rapidly in response to progesterone. It is possible that changes in RTE play a role in the control of membrane permeability during pregnancy. [source]

Physiology and Treatment of Retained Fetal Membranes in Cattle

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2010
J.C. Beagley
Retained fetal membranes (RFM) in cattle have adverse effects on fertility and production. Understanding the pathophysiology and causes of RFM is important for managing this disease. The hormonal processes that lead to normal placental separation are multifactorial and begin before parturition. A variety of risk factors, including early or induced parturition, dystocia, hormonal imbalances, and immunosuppression, can interrupt these normal processes and result in retention of the placenta. Current research does not support the efficacy of many commonly practiced treatments for RFM. Systemic administration of antibiotics can be beneficial for treating metritis after RFM, but antibiotic administration has not been shown to significantly improve future reproduction in cows with RFM. Collagenase injected into the umbilical arteries of retained placentas specifically targets the lack of placentome proteolysis and might enhance placental release. However, such therapy is costly and its benefits in terms of improving subsequent reproductive function have not been evaluated. [source]

Oxytocin Modulates Nitric Oxide Generation by Human Fetal Membranes at Term Pregnancy

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2004
C. Ticconi
Problem:, Nitric oxide (NO), an important mediator of the inflammatory response, is involved in several reproductive processes including pregnancy and labor. Uterus, placenta and fetal membranes are significant sources of NO. Presently, there is no information on factors regulating NO production by fetal membranes. Method of study:, Human fetal membranes at term gestation were cultured for 24 hr in the presence of oxytocin. The concentrations of NO metabolites nitrites in culture medium were determined by the Griess reaction. The presence of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Results:, Oxytocin increased nitrite release by fetal membranes. Messenger ribonucleic acid iNOS expression was also enhanced by oxytocin. These effects were more marked in tissues obtained after labor than before labor. Conclusions:, Oxytocin exerts an overall stimulatory effect on NO release by fetal membranes. This action might be of relevance in the biomolecular processes leading to parturition. [source]

Collagenase-3 (MMP-13) in Fetal Membranes and Amniotic Fluid During Pregnancy,

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2003
Stephen J. Fortunato
OBJECTIVE:, To examine the expression, site of production and a role of collagenase-3 in human fetal membranes and amniotic fluid (AF). METHODS:, Amniochorion collected at the time of elective repeat cesareans prior to labor from normal term gestation, were placed in an organ explant system for 72 hr. The AF was collected from the following groups of women: women at term; women at third trimester pregnancy: women at mid-trimester pregnancy. Women with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) with or without pre-term labor and infection delivered by cesareans before term; women with pre-term labor and no rupture of membranes and delivered by cesareans before term; The mRNA expression of collagenase-3 was studied by reverse transcriptase,polymerase chain reaction (RT,PCR) and protein concentrations in the AF were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Site of collagenase-3 production was documented by immunohistochemistry. Statistical comparisons were made using ANOVA. All statistical hypotheses were adjusted for multiple comparisons using the Scheffe method of adjustment. RESULTS:, Amniochorion at term expressed collagenase-3 mRNA. Immunohistochemistry localized collagenase-3 in both amnion and chorion. Collagenase-3 was seen in AF from all gestational age groups with lowest levels at mid-trimester [167.8 pg/mL] and highest during term labor (323.92 pg/mL) with no statistically significant difference between term and third trimester (310.11 pg/mL). AF levels of collagenase-3 were significantly higher in women with pre-term labor (370.02 pg/mL; Padj = 0.046) or pre-term labor and infection (628.73 pg/mL; Padj = 0.002) compared with PROM with pre-term labor and infection (87.19 pg/mL). CONCLUSION:, Collagenase-3 mRNA is constitutively expressed and produced in amniochorion. It is a normal physiologic constituent of AF. PROM is not associated with an increase in the AF collagenase-3. [source]

Nitric oxide metabolite levels in preterm labor

JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 5 2007
Sandeep Chadha
Abstract Aim:, To investigate the role of nitric oxide metabolites as markers of infection in subjects with preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PTPROM). PTPROM means that there was spontaneous rupture of fetal membrane before the onset of labor and gestational age was <37 weeks. This occurs because of imbalance between matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase. The cause of this imbalance that leads to degradation of collagen causing PTPROM is infection. The bactericidal, fungicidal, viricidal and tumoricidal activities of macrophages are determined in part by elaboration of nitric oxide, hence nitric oxide levels have been found to be increased in infections Methods:, During an 18-month period 50 women with preterm labor or PTPROM and 50 controls were enrolled prospectively. Blood and urine samples were obtained for analysis of nitric oxide metabolites. Patients with known causes of preterm labor were excluded. Result:, The nitric oxide metabolites, which included both nitrite levels and citrulline levels were significantly higher both in blood as well as urine in patients with preterm labor and PTPROM compared to controls. Serum nitrite levels in subjects with preterm labor were 376.5 ± 345 nmol/L while in subjects with PTPROM they were 295.7 ± 161.1 nmol/L and in controls the levels were 62.7 ± 33.9 nmol/L. Serum citrulline levels in subjects with preterm labor were 5293.8 ± 2916.7 nmol/L; in PTPROM they were 6536.6 ± 609.91 nmol/L and in controls they were 949.8 ± 67.1 nmol/L. On comparing patients with preterm labor, those in whom preterm labor could not be inhibited had statistically significant higher levels of nitrite in both serum and urine (482.9 ± 387.7 nmol/L and 754.5 ± 336.5 nmol/L, respectively) compared to patients in whom labor could be inhibited (172.2 ± 61.9 nmol/L and 401.8 ± 236.9 nmol/L, respectively). The citrulline levels were also higher among the group who delivered preterm for both serum and urine (5355.4 ± 3229.7 nmol/L and 11 482.8 ± 2541.4 nmol/L, respectively) compared to patients in whom labor could be inhibited (5260.2 ± 2897.08 nmol/L and 10 651.4 ± 1502.7 nmol/L, respectively) but this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion:, Higher nitric oxide metabolites in women with preterm labor are marker of subclinical infection. [source]

Birth-related factors and doctor-diagnosed wheezing and allergic sensitization in early childhood

ALLERGY, Issue 9 2010
L. Keski-Nisula
To cite this article: Keski-Nisula L, Karvonen A, Pfefferle PI, Renz H, Büchele G, Pekkanen J. Birth-related factors and doctor-diagnosed wheezing and allergic sensitization in early childhood. Allergy 2010; 65: 1116,1125. Abstract Background:, To investigate the associations between clinical obstetric factors during birth and doctor-diagnosed wheezing and allergic sensitization during early childhood. Methods:, We followed 410 Finnish women from late pregnancy until 18 months age of their children. All children were delivered at term. Doctor-diagnosed wheezing among children was established by questionnaires, while specific immunoglobulin E antibodies to inhalant and food allergens were measured in 388 children at 1 year of age. Data on maternal obstetric variables were recorded at the time of delivery. Results:, Children of mothers with longer duration of ruptured fetal membranes before birth had significantly higher risk of doctor-diagnosed wheezing during early childhood compared to those children with shorter period of ruptured fetal membranes (III vs I quartile; aOR 6.65, 95% CI 1.99,22.18; P < 0.002 and IV vs I quartile; aOR 3.88, 95% CI 1.05,14.36, P < 0.043). Children who were born by Cesarean delivery had significantly less allergic sensitization at the age of 1 year compared to those who were born by vaginal route (16.0%vs 32.2%; aOR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14,0.80; P < 0.013). Furthermore, allergic sensitization tended to be more common in children with longer duration of labor before birth. No other birth-related obstetric factors, such as induction, the type of fetal membrane rupture during birth or quality of amniotic fluid were associated significantly with the examined outcomes. Conclusion:, The longer duration of the ruptured fetal membranes possibly reflected the higher risk of intrapartum infection at birth, and further increased the risk of doctor-diagnosed wheezing among offspring. [source]

Uterine torsion diagnosed in a mare at 515 days' gestation

EQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 10 2010
C. López
Summary A pregnant mare with a history of prolonged gestation (,515 days) and suspected diagnosis of fetal mummification was examined. Rectal palpation revealed that the left broad ligament of the uterus was dorsal and medial to the right uterine ligament and it was not possible to observe the cervix during vaginal examination. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed fluid in the uterus, fetal membranes and the uterine walls defined and thickened. Free fluid was not seen in the peritoneal cavity. Laboratory tests (blood cell count and clinical chemistry) were normal. Based on clinical history, physical examination and ultrasound findings, a chronic uterine torsion with fetal death was diagnosed and the mare was subjected to exploratory celiotomy. The uterus was strongly adhered to the peritoneum of the ventral abdominal wall and there were multiple adhesions to the colon. Hysterotomy was performed to remove the fetus and to permit repositioning of the uterus. When the fetus was removed, a large devitalised grey tissue area of the right ventral uterine horn was observed. Multiple adhesions prevented a rescue hysterectomy and euthanasia of the patient was performed. During the necropsy, a 180° cranial cervix clockwise uterine torsion was observed. This rare case of uterine torsion appears to be the most chronic case reported in the equine literature. [source]

Physiology and Treatment of Retained Fetal Membranes in Cattle

Birth-related factors and doctor-diagnosed wheezing and allergic sensitization in early childhood

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces motility and upregulates MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in bovine trophoblast cells

MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 7 2010
M. Dilly
Differentiation and restricted invasion/migration of trophoblast cells are crucial for feto-maternal communication in the synepitheliochorial placenta of cattle. EGF is expressed in the bovine placenta and likely regulates these cell properties. As cell migration and motility rely on the degradation of extracellular matrix we hypothesize that EGF is involved in the regulation of the MMP-9/TIMP-1 balance and thus could influence trophoblast migration, tissue remodeling, and the release of the fetal membranes after parturition. The aim of this in vitro study was to examine EGF-mediated effects on cell motility, proliferation, and MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression in cultured bovine trophoblast cells. We used a trophoblast cell line (F3) derived from bovine placentomes to examine the influence of EGF on MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression by semiquantitative RT-PCR and MMP activity by zymography. Migration assays were performed using a Boyden chamber and cell motility was measured by time-lapse analyses. To identify the involved signaling cascades, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) 42/44 and Akt was detected by Western blot. EGF treatment increased both the abundance of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNAs and the proteolytic activity of MMP-9. Furthermore, EGF stimulated proliferation and migration of F3 cells. Addition of specific inhibitors of MAPK (PD98059) and/or PI3K (LY294002) activation abolished or reduced EGF-induced effects in all experiments. In conclusion, EGF-mediated effects stimulate migration and proliferation of bovine trophoblast cells and may be involved in bovine placental tissue remodeling and postpartum release of fetal membranes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 622,629, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Quantitative analysis of messenger RNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), tissue inhibitor-2 of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-2), and steroidogenic enzymes in bovine placentomes during gestation and postpartum

MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 7 2007
M. Takagi
Abstract The relationship between the mRNA expression of proteolytic and steroidogenic enzymes in bovine placentomes was examined. Caruncle and cotyledon tissues were collected every 6 hr after spontaneous parturition until the fetal membranes were released. Based on the time of fetal membrane release after parturition, the specimens were classified as follows: (1) the early group, in which the fetal membranes were released within 6 hr after parturition; and (2) the late group, in which the fetal membranes were released 6,12 hr after parturition. The placentomes from a slaughterhouse were additionally collected as samples for the examination of enzymes during the gestation period. The mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the cotyledon was observed to be higher than that in caruncle tissues; however, the mRNA expression patterns of P450scc and StAR tended to be similar in both placental tissues. On the other hand, although the expression levels of TIMP-2 mRNA in both caruncle and cotyledon tissues were similar, during gestation and postpartum the expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA were approximately 10 times higher in caruncle than in cotyledon tissue. Marked contrasting changes in mRNA expression patterns between pre- and postpartum periods were observed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 in caruncle tissues and for MMP-9 and TIMP-2 in cotyledon tissues. The present study provides the first evidence that MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2 mRNAs are expressed in bovine placentomes during the gestational and postpartum periods and suggests that these enzymes, in conjunction with steriodogenic enzymes, mediate fetal membrane detachment after parturition. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 801,807, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Expression of genes associated with allantois emergence in ovine and bovine conceptuses

MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 9 2006
A.M. Ledgard
Abstract In the development of ruminant embryos, the emergence and growth of the allantois is critical for the establishment of the chorioallantoic placenta. The allantoic membrane contributes to all the vasculature that perfuses the placental tissues and the fetal membranes. Using suppressive subtractive hybridization to compare mRNA from Day 13 ovine preimplantation conceptuses (prior to allantoic emergence) with Day 17 allantoic membrane, we identified nine genes whose expression was associated with the emergence of the allantoic sac. Collagen alpha 1 type XII, collagen alpha 2 type I, collagen alpha 2 type V, epsilon 4 beta-globin, osteonectin, and uroplakin were expressed at significantly greater levels in ovine Day 17 allantois compared to Day 13 conceptuses. These genes are associated with the extracellular matrix and most likely are involved in establishing and strengthening the structural integrity of the allantoic sac and in the development of the blood vessels. RalB expression increased with development although at significantly greater levels in the allantois only at Day 19. Hoxa-10 and RhoA showed no differential expression during this period. All these genes showed a similar temporal pattern of expression in bovine conceptuses at equivalent stages of development with significantly greater expression of all these genes, except for Hoxa-10, found in Day 24 allantois compared to Day 14 conceptuses. This suggests that the role they play in allantoic emergence, growth and function is conserved in both ruminant species and that their expression is regulated in a similar manner. The interactions and regulation of this process remains to be fully explained. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 1084,1093, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Oxytocin Modulates Nitric Oxide Generation by Human Fetal Membranes at Term Pregnancy

Collagenase-3 (MMP-13) in Fetal Membranes and Amniotic Fluid During Pregnancy,

Initial Development of Bovine Placentation (Bos indicus) from the Point of View of the Allantois and Amnion

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 5 2009
A. C. Assis Neto
Summary The aim of this study was to perform a morphological characterization of the initial bovine placental development, between 20 and 70 days post-insemination (p.i.), with emphasis on the differentiation of the allantois and amnion. After collection, the conceptuses were dissected, macroscopically measured and photographically documented. The extraembryonic membranes were cut into fragments measuring 5 cm2, and then fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for analysis using light microscopy, and in 2.5% glutaraldehyde for use in scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The extraembryonic and fetal membranes presented variable degrees of development throughout the periods analysed. The macroscopic appearance of vascularization of the allantois, its attempt to merge with the chorium and the effective appearance of the first cotyledons in development were the events observed from 30 to 40 days of pregnancy. The measurements of the amnion increased gradually as gestation developed. The allantoic epithelia presented cellular dimorphism from 20 to 25 days of pregnancy, but was shown to be immature from 60 to 70 days of pregnancy. [source]

Transcutaneous ultrasound over the right flank to diagnose mid- to late-pregnancy in the dairy cow

AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 8 2009
JC Hunnam
Objective To investigate the practical application and image quality of transcutaneous ultrasonography across the right flank for the diagnosis of mid- to late-gestation in cattle. Procedure Dairy cows of known pregnancy status were used to establish criteria for the identification of mid- to late-stage pregnancy by transcutaneous ultrasonography. Factors involved in the practical application of transcutaneous ultrasound for routine use in pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cattle were also examined. Results Transcutaneous ultrasound, using a 3.5-MHz sector transducer applied over the caudodorsal right flank fold, allowed rapid and detailed visualisation of bovine pregnancy (i.e. fetus, fetal fluids, placentomes and/or fetal membranes) and could be used to establish criteria for the diagnosis of pregnancy. The commonly available cattle holding facilities of the herringbone dairy, rotary herringbone dairy, AI race or crush, and walk-through dairy all allow safe access to the right flank of a dairy or beef cow. However, transcutaneous scanning over the right flank is difficult in modern rotary turnstile dairies. Conclusion A 3.5-MHz sector transducer applied over the caudodorsal right flank fold allows detailed visualisation of the bovine fetus in most types of cattle-holding facilities. Further investigation of the sensitivity and specificity of this technique over the entire gestation period and its possible use in ageing of the bovine fetus is merited. [source]

Use of postpartum vaginoscopic (visual vaginal) examination of dairy cows for the diagnosis of endometritis and the association of endrometritis with reduced reproductive performance

AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2008
DJ RUNCIMAN
Objective To assess the association between the findings from vaginoscopic examination of postpartum dairy cows with peripartum reproductive disease and their subsequent reproductive performance, and to determine the factors that might be associated with a positive vaginoscopic examination (VV). Methods Cows (n = 1325) from 17 seasonal calving dairy herds were enrolled if they had been calved at least 7 days and had at least one of the following conditions that placed them at risk of endometritis: retained fetal membranes (RFM), dystocia, a dead calf, hypocalcaemia, twin birth, calving induction or an observed vulval discharge (VD). Examination was undertaken 28,37 days before mating start date (MSD) within each herd. All cows were body condition scored (BCS) and were VV scored on a scale of 0 (clear) to 3 (purulent). The uterus and ovaries were assessed by rectal palpation. Results Cows with a positive VV score (1,3) were less likely to conceive to first service and had a lower pregnancy proportion than cows that had a negative VV score (score 0). Mean MSD to conception interval was longer in VV-positive cows. A positive VV score was associated with a low BCS, primiparity, intrapelvic uterus, poor uterine tone, large uterus, RFM, VD, dystocia, dead calf and twins. Conclusion In the present study a positive VV score was associated with reduced reproductive performance and was more common in primiparous and low BCS cows. Of the at-risk cows, those with RFM, VD, dystocia, dead calf or twins were more likely to have a positive VV score. [source]

The role of intrauterine bacteria in brain injury

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2004
MHF Sullivan
Organisms appear to be present in human fetal membranes without any apparent impact on pregnancy maintenance or the fetal brain. A clear link between chorioamnionitis and fetal brain damage suggests that tissue responses at the feto-maternal interface may be the key determinant of whether preterm labour and brain damage occur. [source]