The metabolism and transplacental transfer of oseltamivir in the ex vivo human model.

Unlabelled: Oseltamivir phosphate is extensively metabolized in the ex vivo human placenta model, and the transplacental passage of the metabolite oseltamivir carboxylate is incomplete.

Objective: To evaluate the metabolism and transplacental transfer of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in the ex vivo human placental model.

Study Design: Perfusion studies were performed in six placentas from term, uncomplicated deliveries.

Unilateral twin ectopic pregnancy in a patient with a history of multiple sexually transmitted infections.

Background: The incidence of unilateral twin ectopic pregnancy is a rare condition. Several factors increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, the most important of which is pelvic inflammatory disease, followed by operative trauma, congenital anomalies, tumors, and adhesions resulting in anatomically distorted fallopian tubes. We present a case of a woman with a history of four confirmed sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, herpes simplex virus 2, and Treponema pallidum.

Divergent activities of an engineered antibody in murine and human systems have implications for therapeutic antibodies.

The MHC class I-related receptor, neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), plays a central role in regulating the transport and in vivo persistence of immunoglobulin G (IgG). IgG-FcRn interactions can be targeted for engineering to modulate the in vivo longevity and transport of an antibody, and this has implications for the successful application of therapeutic IgGs. Although mice are widely used to preclinically test antibodies, human and mouse FcRn have significant differences in binding specificity.

Placental transfer of rosiglitazone in the ex vivo human perfusion model.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine transplacental passage of rosiglitazone (Avandia) using the ex vivo human placental model.

Study Design: Perfusion studies were performed on 10 placentas from term, uncomplicated deliveries. Concentrations typical for an 8-mg oral dose (216 to 692 ng/mL) as well as 2- to 3-fold increased concentrations were tested (734 to 1261 ng/mL).

Transfer of meropenem in the ex vivo human placenta perfusion model.

Objectives: To determine maternal-fetal transplacental passage of meropenem in the ex vivo human perfusion model.

Study Design: Term placentae (n = 6) were collected immediately after delivery. A single cotyledon was localized, perfused and stabilized with physiologic Eagles minimal essential medium containing 3% bovine albumin and heparin as described by Chalier (Chalier JC.

Transplacental passage of vancomycin in the ex vivo human perfusion model.

Objectives: To determine maternal-fetal transplacental passage of vancomycin in the ex vivo human placental perfusion model.

Methods: Six term placentas were collected immediately after delivery and perfused with physiologic medium using the single cotyledon perfusion system. Vancomycin was added to the maternal medium and perfused through the maternal circulation of the cotyledon.

Ex vivo human placental transfer of the peptides pramlintide and exenatide (synthetic exendin-4).

Two peptides, pramlintide (37 amino acids), an analog of human amylin, and exenatide, synthetic exendin-4 (39 amino acids), are both in late-stage clinical development as potential new treatments for people with diabetes. Both are potential long-term treatments, and there is the likelihood that some women will become pregnant while using one of these peptide therapies. Therefore, it was important to evaluate the potential for each peptide to cross the placental barrier and thereby result in exposure to the fetus.

Transfer of inflammatory cytokines across the placenta.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the placental transfer of interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) occurs.

Methods: Four normal-term placentas were perfused for maternal-fetal transfer of the cytokines, 2 placentas for fetal-maternal transfer, and 4 additional placentas were used for an endogenous control. The ex vivo isolated cotyledon human placental perfusion model was used.

The bidirectional transfer and fetal vascular pressure changes due to the presence of 125I-labeled inhibin A in the ex-vivo human placental model.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the transport of inhibin A and to determine its effects on fetal vascular pressure at elevated levels in the human placenta using 125I-labeled synthetic glycoprotein.

Methods: Synthetic inhibin A was prepared and was shown to be consistent with the natural form by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and molecular weight determination by gas-chromatography mass spectrometry. The standardized Na125I process yielded 125I-labeled inhibin A with a radioactivity of 10(6) cpm/microg.

Oxytocin preparation stability in several common obstetric intravenous solutions.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the stability of oxytocin in lactated Ringer's solution and lactated Ringer's-dextrose 5% solution over a 24-hour period at 25 degrees C and over a 7-day period at 5 degrees C.

Study Design: Twenty units (2.1 microg equal 1 unit) of oxytocin were injected into 1000 mL of lactated Ringer's solution and lactated Ringer's-dextrose 5% solution.