In vitro human placental perfusion studies cholinergic activity in normal subjects and in toxaemia of pregnancy

ABSTRACT

The present study was designed to investigate acetylcholine (ACh) concentration in normal and toxaemic placentae. The perfusate from placental lobules was collected at different time intervals and analysed, by bioassay, for ACh. The results showed that ACh concentration was time-dependent, attaining its highest value by 90 minutes (74.465 ñ 0.76 10-9 g/ min/g), which was maintained for up to 180 minutes placentae. Similar observations were made in the toxaemic samples, but the values were significantly lower, when compared to the control group (44.36 ñ 1.54 10-9g/min/gt at 90 minutes). This study demonstrated active secretion of Ach by the placentae and the occurrence of low ACh concentration in toxeamia. It is postulated that low ACh could probably interfere with local transport mechanism and account for low birth weights in toxaemia.(AU)