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  • Title: Transfer of cocaine and benzoylecgonine across the perfused human placental cotyledon.
    Author: Simone C, Derewlany LO, Oskamp M, Knie B, Koren G.
    Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol; 1994 May; 170(5 Pt 1):1404-10. PubMed ID: 8178881.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to measure the transfer of cocaine and its major metabolite benzoylecgonine across the human term placenta. STUDY DESIGN: By means of in vitro perfusion of the human term placental cotyledon the transfer of these compounds was measured. RESULTS: The steady-state maternal-to-fetal transfer of cocaine (0.18 +/- 0.05 microgram/ml/min) was significantly greater than benzoylecgonine transfer (0.02 +/- 0.01 microgram/ml/min) (p < 0.05). When the perfused tissue was analyzed 32% +/- 7% of the maternal cocaine dose was retained by the placental tissue, whereas only 12% +/- 12% of the maternal benzoylecgonine dose was retained by the placental compartment. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest (1) the placenta may serve as a depot for large amounts of cocaine, thus offering some degree of fetal protection after bolus administration; (2) fetal exposure may be prolonged by placental retention and subsequent release of cocaine and benzoylecgonine; and (3) benzoylecgonine does not cross the placenta as readily as does cocaine. Variability in placental handling of cocaine and benzoylecgonine may therefore determine fetal exposure to these agents.
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