Amniotic tissue

Abstract

The potential for allografts of human amniotic tissues, specifically amniotic membrane (AM) and amniotic fluid (AF), to aid in tissue growth and healing has been recognized and applied for over 100 years [1, 2]. Over this time, research has extensively documented the content and properties of amniotic tissues as well as their mechanisms of action as a regenerative treatment [3]. Though it remains an experimental treatment, clinical data in humans also provide some support for applications of amniotic tissues as a therapeutic treatment. Amniotic fluid contains an array of cell types and proteins that changes over the course of gestation. A number of these components are thought to play important roles in therapeutic applications of amniotic tissues (Table 45.1).