Objective: We aimed to design and test an ex-vivo human umbilical cord (HUC) perfusion model simulating a fetal inflammatory response (FIR) during intra-amniotic infection.
Study design: A 2-chamber model was designed to accommodate 2 pieces of umbilical cord. Cord perfusion was performed with placental blood. Intra-amniotic exposure to infectious organisms was simulated by adding lipopolysaccharide to the artificial amniotic fluid (AAF) compartment. As a measure of inflammatory response, we used interleukin 8 (IL-8) concentration in AAF and plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for statistical analysis.
Results: We established a stable physiological setup. Results revealed significantly elevated plasma IL-8 concentrations (n = 6, P < .05) in the blood compartment of umbilical cords exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Concentrations within AAF were not significantly elevated (n = 6, P = .3095).
Conclusion: Simulation of a FIR in an ex-vivo model of HUC perfusion under physiological conditions is possible. Further work is necessary to establish histological funisitis.