IN-VITRO STUDIES OF THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN PLATELETS AND AMNIOTIC MEMBRANES - A POTENTIAL TREATMENT FOR PRETERM PREMATURE RUPTURE OF THE MEMBRANES

OBJECTIVE: Thus far there is no satisfactory treatment for preterm pre mature rupture of the amniotic membranes. To evaluate the use of plate lets to seal the membranes, we investigated in vitro interactions betw een platelets and the membranes. STUDY DESIGN: Platelet aggregation in the presence of amnion, chorion, and amniotic fluid was quantified. P latelet adhesion to the fetal membranes was investigated by electron m icroscopy. In addition, a model system was designed to evaluate the ca pacity of platelets to seal a standardized puncture in the membranes. RESULTS: Platelets aggregated in response to amnion but not to chorion or amniotic fluid. Adhesion and activation occurred on connective tis sues underlying amnion and chorion but not on the amniotic epithelium. Platelets sealed a puncture in fetal membranes, and the platelet plug was visualized by electron microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Exposed connectiv e tissue of amniotic membranes was demonstrated to trigger platelet ad hesion, aggregation, and activation, and platelets were shown to seal a standardized puncture in fetal membranes. Our results indicate that platelets might be useful for treatment of ruptured membranes after ne edle puncture.