Knowledge needed about the exchange physiology of the placenta

There is now a basic understanding of the driving forces and mechanisms underlying rates of solute exchange across the placenta but there are still major gaps in knowledge. Here we summarise this basic understanding, whilst highlighting gaps in knowledge. We then focus on two particular areas where more knowledge is needed: (1) the electrical potential difference (PD) across the placenta and (2) the paracellular permeability of the placenta to hydrophilic solutes.In many species a PD has been recorded between a catheter in a maternal blood vessel and one in a fetal vessel.

Source: Placenta - January 15, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Colin P. Sibley, Paul Brownbill, Jocelyn D. Glazier, Susan L. Greenwood Source Type: research