Flow in fetoplacental-like microvessels in vitro enhances perfusion, barrier function, and matrix stability.

ABSTRACT: Proper placental vascularization is vital for pregnancy outcomes, but assessing it with animal models and human explants has limitations. We introduce a 3D in vitro model of human placenta terminal villi including fetal mesenchyme and vascular endothelium. By coculturing HUVEC, placental fibroblasts, and pericytes in a macrofluidic chip with a flow reservoir, we generate fully perfusable fetal microvessels. Pressure-driven flow facilitates microvessel growth and remodeling, resulting in early formation of interconnected and lasting placental-like vascular networks. Computational fluid dynamics simulations predict shear forces, which increase microtissue stiffness, decrease diffusivity, and enhance barrier function as shear stress rises. Mass spectrometry analysis reveals enhanced protein e

SUBMITTER: Cherubini M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10745711 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature