Modification of the human transamniotic ionic transfer after addition of anti-cancer metals.

The effects of anticancer metals (Ga, Cis-Pt, Se) on the ionic transfer through the isolated human amnion, expressed as the measure of the transamniotic conductance Gt, the ionic fluxes and the flux ratio (mother-fetus/fetus-mother: F1/F2) were studied. The 3 metals decrease Gt on the maternal side by a screening effect and have a little effect on the fetal side. The ionic fluxes are decreased on the maternal and on the fetal sides. The flux ratio is reduced by Cis-Pt but becomes constant with Ga and Se. The action of the anticancer metals is identical to the action of the carcinogenic metals on the transamniotic transfer and the membrane does not seem to be the target of the anticancerous action.