An organ-culture for in vitro evaluation of fetal membrane healing capacity

Objectives: We aimed to set up an organ culture of human amniochorion to evaluate fetal membrane repair capacity following surgical trauma. Methods: Fetal membranes were collected from four patients, during elective caesarean section at term. Explants were traumatised at the centre and cultured on collagen support material for a total of 12 days. Viability was assessed by light microscopy and proliferation by detection of 5-Bromo-2' deoxy-Uridine (BrdU) incorporation and immunohistochemistry. Wound healing capacity was assessed trough photographic documentation every 2 days. Results: Cultures showed good survival for 12 days. Increased cellularity, survival and proliferations were observed at the borders of the cultures in contrast to the central trauma site. During the 12 days observation period, no significant closure of the membrane defect could be demonstrated. Conclusion: This organ culture system represents a new model for the study of human fetal membrane repair. Despite good survival and localised proliferation, no obvious closure of a surgically created defect was observed in the described culture conditions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.