Simulation of intra-amniotic infection and the fetal inflammatory response in a novel ex-vivo human umbilical cord perfusion model.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to design and test an ex-vivo human umbilical cord (HUC) perfusion model simulating a fetal inflammatory response (FIR) during intra-amniotic infection.


METHODS
A 2-chamber model was designed to accommodate 2 pieces of umbilical cord. Cord perfusion was performed with placental blood. Intra-amniotic exposure to infectious organisms was simulated by adding lipopolysaccharide to the artificial amniotic fluid (AAF) compartment. As a measure of inflammatory response, we used interleukin 8 (IL-8) concentration in AAF and plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
We established a stable physiological setup. Results revealed significantly elevated plasma IL-8 concentrations (n = 6, P < .05) in the blood compartment of umbilical cords exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Concentrations within AAF were not significantly elevated (n = 6, P = .3095).


CONCLUSIONS
Simulation of a FIR in an ex-vivo model of HUC perfusion under physiological conditions is possible. Further work is necessary to establish histological funisitis.
Pediatric Pulmonology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Sarah
S
Hassan
Wolfgang
W
Bueter
Christa
C
Acevedo
Christiane E L
CE
Dammann
Olaf
O
Dammann
D000650:Amnion / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D002821:Chorioamnionitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D010477:Perfusion; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*
D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides