Use of the placenta as an artificial lung

Oxygen transfer across a single cotyledon of the human placenta was assesse d by using three different perfusates in the maternal circuit: 1) M-199 cul ture medium, 2) human adult red blood cells (RBCs), and 3) perflubron. Thes e maternal circuit perfusates were oxygenated with a membrane oxygenator. R BCs were perfused on the fetal side of the circuit and samples were taken p replacenta and postplacenta for each maternal perfusate. PO2 and PCO2 were measured and O-2 transfer was calculated for each maternal perfusate. O-2 t ransfer per single cotyledon (mean a SE) was 0.18 +/- 0.04, 0.20 +/- 0.03, and 0.15 +/- 0.05 ccO(2)/min when using: 1) M-199, 2) RBCs, and 3) perflubr on, respectively. O-2 transfer per kilogram of placental tissue was 13.08 /- 2.78, 14.57 +/- 2.05, and 10.43 +/- 3.79 ccO(2)/kg per minute when using : 1) M-199, 2) RBCs, and 3) perflubron, respectively. When extrapolated to the individual weights of the entire placenta, the O-2 transfer was 9.15 +/ - 1.95, 10.20 +/- 1.43, and 7.30 +/- 2.65 when using: 1) M-199, 2) RBCs, an d 3) perflubron, respectively. We conclude from these data that O-2 transfe r can be accomplished during placental perfusion. Larger studies are requir ed to differentiate efficacy among the three maternal circuit perfusates.