As a fetus does not mount an immune response to maternal proteins that cross the placenta, it has been assumed that a fetus would not reject non–genetically matched blood cells (specifically allogeneic blood cells) if they were transplanted while the fetus was in utero.
The hope is that this procedure, which is known as IUHCT, could provide a viable approach for treating congenital blood disorders. However, studies using a mouse model of IUHCT indicate that most fetal recipients of allogeneic blood cells lose their transplanted cells 3-5 weeks after transplantation.
Expecting Mums With Disease Threat Have Offspring With Enhanced Immunity
Researchers at The University of Nottingham have found that expecting mothers produce less aggressive sons with more efficient immune systems, when there is a threat of disease during pregnancy.
Researchers at The University of Nottingham have found that expecting mothers produce less aggressive sons with more efficient immune systems, when there is a threat of disease during pregnancy.
The maternal alloantibodies were produced in response to IUHCT and so the authors conclude that in the absence of either a maternal immune response or transmission of the maternal alloantibodies to the fetus, transplanted blood cells should not be rejected, leaving open the door for IUHCT as a potential clinical strategy.
Source-Eurekalert
SRM
Electronic Fetal Monitoring
Fetal monitoring records the condition of the fetus and contractions of the uterus during the labour
Fetal monitoring records the condition of the fetus and contractions of the uterus during the labour
Doppler ultrasounds found to be accurate in detecting anemia in fetus
A Doppler ultrasound is capable of detecting anemia in the fetus, by measuring the velocity of blood flow in the middle cerebral artery
A Doppler ultrasound is capable of detecting anemia in the fetus, by measuring the velocity of blood flow in the middle cerebral artery
Mom's Antibody Production Against Fetus' Brain Linked to Child's Autism
A new study shows that it may be the mother’s production of antibodies against her baby’s brain tissue during pregnancy that triggers autism in the fetus.
A new study shows that it may be the mother’s production of antibodies against her baby’s brain tissue during pregnancy that triggers autism in the fetus.
