Placenta, the ultimate barrier ?

The lecture was rounded off by a seminar entitled "Placenta, the ultimate barrier", given by Professor François Forestier (Faculty of Pharmacy, Chatenay-Malabry). This expert in fetal and perinatal medicine clearly explained the specific nature, physiology and major issues involved in the proper functioning of the human placenta in child development. This "transitory organ" is nonetheless extremely sophisticated. Its highly regulated barrier effect, protecting the fetus against toxic metabolites and infectious agents, can be subverted by pathogens such as viruses (CMV), bacteria(L. monocytogenes) and parasites, especially Toxoplasma gondii. The challenges of early diagnosis and prevention of these infections were discussed in detail.