Imaging of 1st trimester placental tissue
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Imaging of 1st trimester placental tissue to study micro-vesicle production and placental anatomy
IRAS ID
251856
Contact name
Rohan Lewis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Placental function supports fetal growth and establishes the foundations for lifelong health. The placenta grows and develops considerably across gestation, but most work on the placenta is conducted at term. To get a fuller picture of how the placenta develops and functions it is essential to conduct research into the placenta at other points in gestation.
Recent work in Southampton using novel high-resolution three-dimensional imaging techniques has cast new light on the nanoscale structure of the term placenta. Novel observations include the formation of microvesicles on the tips of placental microvilli, something that was not apparent in two-dimensional images. Placental microvesicles are shed into the maternal blood and are believed to regulate maternal biology during pregnancy. Previously it was not clear how or where placental microvesicles formed.
In this study anonymised samples of first-trimester placental tissue collected as part of ongoing studies run by Professor Chamley in Auckland, New Zealand will be sent to Southampton to take advantage of the imaging expertise here.
REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NE/0305
Date of REC Opinion
19 Sep 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion