Cervix-on-a-chip for investigating ascending Ureaplasma parvum infection in pregnancy

To develop a microfluidic cervix-on-a-chip (COC) to study ascending bacterial infection in pregnancy. COC with 6 interconnected culture chambers connected by microchannels containing cells from vagina (VEC), cervical epithelium and stroma, transition zone, decidua was developed. Cells were characterized morphology expression of cell-specific markers. An Ureaplasma parvum (UP) tested inoculating UP (107 CCU) VEC. Propagation (fluorescent microscopy), cytotoxicity (LDH assay) inflammation (cytokine assays) or 1010 determined. For physiological validation vitro data, we inoculated vaginally pregnant mice monitored for preterm birth (PTB). Cellular characteristics (morphology, collagen production, markers) the as seen vivo, validated devices’ relevance (Fig. 1). In vitro, U. colonized epithelial decidual within 48 h. Both low high dose colonization did not promote cell death any cells. Low increased IL-8 (stroma) while GM-CSF (ectocervix) (stroma), IL-6 (decidua) Vaginal inoculation doses had no 20% PTB rate, respectively compared 90% rate E. coli models (positive control). Intraamniotic injection 67% 2). model showed poor immunogenicity. This finding recapitulated vivo. Validated is useful preclinical studies pregnancy parturition.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)