A comparative biomechanical analysis of term fetal membranes in human and domestic species

作者：Borazjani Ali; Weed Benjamin C; Patnaik Sourav S; Feugang Jean M; Christiansen David; Elder Steven H; Ryan Peter L; Liao Jun^*

来源：American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2011, 204(4): 365.e25.

DOI：10.1016/j.ajog.2010.12.003

• biomechanics
• fetal membrane
• PPROM
• reproduction

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to biomechanically characterize and compare human, porcine, equine, and ovine fetal membranes.
STUDY DESIGN: Noncontact metrology was used for topographic analyses. Uniaxial tensile testing was performed to resolve specific biomechanical values. Puncture force and radial stresses were determined with biaxial puncture testing. Microstructure and surface tortuosity were analyzed histologically.
RESULTS: Equine and human membranes sustained larger magnitude loading, but ovine and porcine membranes exhibited stronger material properties. Biaxial puncture validated uniaxial results; human and equine groups accommodated the largest loads but lowest stresses. Equine membranes were mostly vascularized; tortuosity was highest in porcine membranes. Species' gestation length was correlated positively with membrane thickness.
CONCLUSION: The anatomy of placentation and length of species gestation show distinct relationships to membrane biomechanics. Unlike other species, human fetal membranes do not compensate for structural weakness with a thicker membrane. This finding may explain the high incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes in humans.

• 出版日期2011-4