Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel.
Pharm Res. 2018 Feb 23;35(4):71. doi: 10.1007/s11095-017-2286-0.
Optimal development of the embryo and the fetus depends on placental passage of gases, nutrients, hormones, and waste products. These molecules are transferred across the placenta via passive diffusion, carrier-mediated cellular uptake and efflux, and transcytosis pathways. The same mechanisms additionally control the rate and extent of transplacental transfer of drugs taken by the pregnant mother. Essentially all drugs cross the placenta to a certain extent, and some accumulate in the placenta itself at levels that can even exceed those in maternal plasma. Hence, even drugs that are not efficiently transferred across the placenta may indirectly affect fetal development by interfering with placental function. In this article, we describe key properties of the placental barrier and their modulation by medications. We highlight implications for pharmacotherapy and novel approaches for drug delivery in pregnant women and their fetuses.
胚胎和胎儿的最佳发育依赖于胎盘对气体、营养物质、激素和废物的转运。这些分子通过被动扩散、载体介导的细胞摄取和外排以及胞吞途径在胎盘内进行转运。同样的机制还控制着孕妇服用的药物经胎盘转运的速率和程度。基本上所有的药物都会在一定程度上穿过胎盘，有些药物在胎盘内的积累水平甚至可以超过母体血浆中的水平。因此，即使是那些不能有效穿过胎盘的药物，也可能通过干扰胎盘功能而间接影响胎儿发育。在本文中，我们描述了胎盘屏障的关键特性及其被药物的调节。我们强调了这些特性对孕妇和胎儿的药物治疗和新型药物传递方法的影响。
