Fetal-maternal interface: a chronicle of allogeneic coexistence

Chimerism. 2012 Jan-Mar;3(1):18-20. doi: 10.4161/chim.19439.

Abstract

The existence of allogeneic cells within an individual has been demonstrated in multiple fields such as hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplantation, non-depleted blood transfusions and the most common form which is bidirectional maternal-fetal cell trafficking, whereby cells from the fetus pass through the placental barrier. In order to graphically illustrate this early natural phenomenon that initiates the journey of a child's cells within the mother's blood and other tissues, we used a new procedure in microscopy imaging generating Large Scale Panoramic Pictures (LSPP). This technique can also be extended to explore a broad diversity of experimental models.

Keywords: fetal-maternal interface; fish; microchimerism; placenta; tolerance.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange* / genetics
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange* / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Transplantation, Homologous