Maternal-fetal fluid balance and aquaporins: from molecule to physiology

Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2011 Jun;32(6):716-20. doi: 10.1038/aps.2011.59. Epub 2011 May 23.

Abstract

Maternal-fetal fluid balance is critical during pregnancy, and amniotic fluid is essential for fetal growth and development. The placenta plays a key role in a successful pregnancy as the interface between the mother and her fetus. Aquaporins (AQPs) form specific water channels that allow the rapid transcellular movement of water in response to osmotic/hydrostatic pressure gradients. AQPs expression in the placenta and fetal membranes may play important roles in the maternal-fetal fluid balance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amniotic Fluid / metabolism
  • Amniotic Fluid / physiology
  • Animals
  • Aquaporins / genetics
  • Aquaporins / metabolism
  • Aquaporins / physiology*
  • Extraembryonic Membranes / metabolism
  • Extraembryonic Membranes / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange / physiology*
  • Osmotic Pressure
  • Placenta / metabolism
  • Placenta / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Water-Electrolyte Balance / physiology*

Substances

  • Aquaporins