3D visualization of trans-syncytial nanopores provides a pathway for paracellular diffusion across the human placental syncytiotrophoblast.

ABSTRACT: The placental syncytiotrophoblast, a syncytium without cell-cell junctions, is the primary barrier between the mother and the fetus. Despite no apparent anatomical pathway for paracellular diffusion of solutes across the syncytiotrophoblast, size-dependent paracellular diffusion is observed. Here we report data demonstrating that the syncytiotrophoblast is punctuated by trans-syncytial nanopores (TSNs). These membrane-bound TSNs directly connect the maternal and fetal facing sides of the syncytiotrophoblast, providing a pathway for paracellular diffusion between the mother and fetus. Mathematical modeling of TSN permeability based on their 3D geometry suggests that 10-37 million TSNs per cm³ of placental tissue could explain experimentally observed placental paracellular

SUBMITTER: Lewis RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9663330 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature