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Drug Permeation Across the Fetal Maternal Barrier

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Mammalian Brain Development

Part of the book series: Contemporary Neuroscience ((CNEURO))

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Abstract

Mammalians have barriers that regulate and limit the distribution of a broad variety of compounds and xenobiotics. Among these, the placental barrier, which forms during embryogenesis, protects the developing fetus. The placenta is composed of several layers of cells acting as a barrier for the diffusion of substances between the maternal and fetal circulatory systems. Lipid-soluble molecules can readily cross while the transfer of large-molecular-weight molecules are limited. Anatomical and functional properties of the placental barrier and similarities to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) will be discussed.

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  1. Cleveland Clinic, Cerebrovascular Research, Lerner Research Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NB2-137, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Nicola Marchi

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  1. Chaitali Ghosh
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    Ghosh, C., Marchi, N. (2009). Drug Permeation Across the Fetal Maternal Barrier. In: Janigro, D. (eds) Mammalian Brain Development. Contemporary Neuroscience. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-287-2_8

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