Modelo de cultivo de explantes placentarios humanos optimizado y estandarizado como herramienta para investigación biomédica: Optimized and standardized human Placental explant culture model as a tool for biomedical research

Juvic Goncalves; Ysabel Casart; María Camejo

doi:10.37910/RDP.2026.15.2.e457

Authors

Juvic Goncalves Escuela de Bioanálisis "Dr. Rafael Rangel". Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Central de Venezuela https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2385-9734
Ysabel Casart Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Central de Venezuela. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8959-2261
María Camejo Departamento de Biología de Organismos. Universidad Simón Bolívar https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6627-4512

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37910/RDP.2026.15.2.e457

Keywords:

Calidad de Vida, Satisfacción del Paciente, Mamoplastia

Abstract

Introduction: The human placenta is a highly specialized organ essential for fetal development due to its endocrine, metabolic, and immunological functions. Studies using animal models present limitations due to structural and functional differences between species. Human placental explant cultures represent a valuable experimental tool because they preserve tissue architecture and cell–cell interactions, allowing the study of physiological, pathophysiological, and pharmacological mechanisms under controlled conditions. Objective: To develop, optimize, and characterize a third-trimester human placental explant culture model through integrated assessment of viability, trophoblast differentiation, and morphological and immunological integrity. Methods: Five placentas from healthy nulliparous women were collected following cesarean section or vaginal delivery. Explants were cultured for 7 days in supplemented RPMI-1640 medium at 37 °C under 5% CO₂ and 10% O₂. Viability was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, differentiation by β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) secretion, and tissue integrity by immunohistochemistry for β-hCG, human placental lactogen (hPL), placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), CD45⁺, CD68⁺ and CD3⁻. Results: LDH activity increased on day 2, decreased until day 5, and increased again by day 7. β-hCG secretion peaked on day 4, suggesting active trophoblast differentiation. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of β-hCG, hPL, and PLAP, with stronger staining for hPL and a higher presence of CD45⁺ and CD68⁺ cells within the villous stroma. Conclusions: This model demonstrates reproducible viability and functional stability for 7 days. It provides a useful platform for studies of inflammation, oxidative stress, hypoxia, and pharmacological evaluation in human placental tissue.

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