Abstract
Extract: The rate of transfer of palmitic acid across human placenta was measured in an in vitro perfusion system. The rates of transfer from maternal to fetal circulation and in reverse direction were about the same, and were considerably less than those for antipyrine and leucine. The transfer rate for linoleic acid was similar to that for palmitic acid. An estimate of the absolute rate of transfer for free fatty acids was made which yielded a figure of 6.8 mmol/24 hr. which is less than that required for the deposition of fat by the fetus in the last trimester. These calculations indicate that during the period of rapid accumulation of fat the fetus converts glucose and/or amino acids to that purpose.
Uptake and metabolism of palmitate by placental slices differs significantly in the human and the guinea pig.
Speculation: It has been suggested that the placental capacity for transfer of some nutrients greatly exceeds requirements, whereas with respect to other nutrients, the capacity for transfer is far more limited. A general reduction in placental function may produce selective nutritional deficiencies in the fetus, beginning with those factors transferred with the smallest margin of safety.
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Dancis, J., Jansen, V., Kayden, H. et al. Transfer Across Perfused Human Placenta. II. Free Fatty Acids. Pediatr Res 7, 192–197 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197304000-00022
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197304000-00022
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