A unique co-culture model for fundamental and applied studies of human fetoplacental steroidogenesis and interference by environmental chemicals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Experimental tools for studying the complex steroidogenic interactions that occur between placenta and fetus during human pregnancy are extremely limited.

Objectives

We aimed to develop a co-culture model to study steroidogenesis by the human fetoplacental unit and its disruption by exposure to environmental contaminants.

Methods

We cultured BeWo human choriocarcinoma cells, representing the villous cytotrophoblast, and H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells, representing the fetal unit, in a carefully adapted co-culture medium. We placed H295R cells in 24-well plates and BeWo cells on transwell inserts with or without pesticide treatment (atrazine or prochloraz) and assessed CYP19 activity and hormonal production after 24 hr of co-culture.

Results</

SUBMITTER: Hudon Thibeault AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3984223 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature