Amniotic membrane

Amniotic Membrane

The amniotic membrane is a thin, transparent tissue that forms the innermost layer of the placenta and surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. It is composed of a single layer of epithelial cells, a thick basement membrane, and an avascular stromal matrix. The amniotic membrane has gained significant attention in the medical field due to its unique properties and potential therapeutic applications.

Structure and Composition

The amniotic membrane consists of three main layers:

• Epithelial Layer: This is the outermost layer, composed of a single layer of cuboidal epithelial cells. These cells are responsible for the secretion of various growth factors and cytokines.

• Basement Membrane: Beneath the epithelial layer lies the basement membrane, which provides structural support and acts as a barrier to the passage of cells and molecules.

• Stromal Matrix: The innermost layer is the stromal matrix, which is rich in collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. This layer provides tensile strength and elasticity to the membrane.

Biological Properties

The amniotic membrane possesses several biological properties that make it valuable for medical applications:

• Anti-inflammatory: It contains anti-inflammatory cytokines that help reduce inflammation.

• Anti-fibrotic: The membrane inhibits fibroblast proliferation, reducing scar tissue formation.

• Anti-microbial: It has natural antimicrobial properties that help prevent infection.

• Low Immunogenicity: The amniotic membrane is considered to have low immunogenicity, making it suitable for transplantation without significant risk of rejection.

Medical Applications

The amniotic membrane is used in various medical fields, including:

• Ophthalmology: It is used in the treatment of ocular surface disorders, such as corneal ulcers, pterygium, and conjunctival reconstruction.

• Dermatology: The membrane is applied in wound healing, particularly for chronic wounds and burns.

• Surgery: It is used as a biological dressing in surgical procedures to promote healing and reduce scarring.

• Orthopedics: The membrane is used in the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries.

Harvesting and Preservation

The amniotic membrane is typically harvested from the placenta after cesarean section deliveries. It is then processed and preserved using various methods, such as cryopreservation or dehydration, to maintain its biological properties for clinical use.

Also see

• Placenta
• Fetal development
• Tissue engineering
• Wound healing

Resources

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Amniotic membrane for any updates.

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