Diffusion of dextrans and microspheres in the human amniotic basement membrane model.

The human amniotic basement membrane model was utilized to determine diffusion ratios of dextrans and beads according to size selectivity. Diffusion through both intact and denuded amnions was determined after 24 and 72 h. Four neutrally charged fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled dextrans, having molecular weights of 17,900, 42,000, 71,200 and 156,000, diffused through the amnion. The amnion functioned as a sieve in that the passage of dextrans was increasingly restricted as molecular weight increased. In contrast, uncharged latex microspheres (1.05 micron +/- 0.07 micron (SD] and fluorescent carboxylated microspheres (1.57 micron +/- 0.13 micron (SD] failed to pass through the amnion. Light and electron microscopy revealed no preformed channels through which the 1.05 micron microspheres could pass through the amnion. Statistical analysis of cross-sectional thickness of individual and similarly treated amnions (intact or denuded) showed a difference in thickness (P = 0.05).