6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) is an immunosuppressive drug linked to negative pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight and fetal malformations, especially in the first trimester.
Human placental explants exposed to 6-MP showed reduced migration and proliferation of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells, alongside increased apoptosis, compared to control samples.
Despite these cellular changes, 6-MP did not significantly affect hormone levels within the placental explant cultures.