Triclosan (TCS) is associated with spontaneous abortions and fetal growth restriction. Here, we showed that when pregnant mice were treated with 8 mg/kg TCS (8-TCS mice) on gestational days (GD) 6-18 fetal body weights were lower than controls. Placental weights and volumes were reduced in 8-TCS mice. The placental proliferative cells and expression of PCNA and Cyclin D3 on GD13 were remarkably...

During pregnancy, the placenta forms the interface between mother and fetus. Highly controlled regulation of trans-placental trafficking is therefore essential for the healthy development of the growing fetus. Extracellular vesicle-mediated transfer of protein and nucleic acids from the human placenta into the maternal circulation is well documented; the possibility that this trafficking is bi-...

Background.  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection reduces placental transfer of antibodies from mother to the fetus for many antigens; however, conflicting data exist for transfer of immunoglobulin G (IgG) to malarial antigens. The mechanism(s) underlying reduced placental transfer is unknown. Methods.  Levels of maternal and cord total IgG, IgG subclasses, and cord-to-mother ratios (CM...

Background: The aim of this study was to determine 17 Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxin and Dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) and 12 Dioxin-like Polychlorinated Biphenyl (DL-PCB) concentrations in the tissues of Finnish terrestrial herbivore species, semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.), and wild moose (Alces alces), investigate transfer and accumulation of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in milk ...

Normal development and function of the placenta is critical to achieving a successful pregnancy, as normal fetal growth depends directly on the transfer of nutrients from mother to fetus via this organ. Recently, it has become apparent from both animal and human studies that growth factors within the maternal circulation, for example the IGFs, are important regulators of placental development a...

Placental transfer of antipyrine, a small liposoluble molecule, was investigated at varying flow rates using dual perfusion of human placental lobules. With a flow ratio equal to unity, the foetal transport fraction (foetal vein concentration X 100/maternal artery concentration) of antipyrine averaged 0.33. It has been suggested that effectiveness of exchange in the lobule perfused in vitro app...

During late gestation, although maternal adipose tissue lipolytic activity becomes enhanced, lipolytic products cross the placenta with difficulty. Under fasting conditions, free fatty acids (FFA) are used for ketogenesis by the mother, and ketone bodies are used as fuels and lipogenic substrates by the fetus. Maternal glycerol is preferentially used for glucose synthesis, saving other gluconeo...

Epigenetic mechanisms are responsible for the regulation of transcription of imprinted genes and those that induce a totipotent state. Starting just after fertilization, DNA methylation pattern undergoes establishment, reestablishment and maintenance. These modifications are important for normal embryo and placental developments. Throughout life and passing to the next generation, epigenetic ev...

INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia is associated with increased levels of the circulating anti-angiogenic factor sFlt-1 as well as with an excessive shedding of placenta-derived multinucleated syncytial aggregates into the maternal circulation. However, it remains unclear whether these aggregates are transcriptionally active in the maternal organs and can therefore contribute to the systemic manifestati...