[Lipofuscin accumulation in the placenta in normal and gestosis-complicated pregnancy]

Fluorescent microscopic examination of 20 placental samples from women in whom pregnancy ran a normal course and from those who suffered from gestosis was carried out to study lipofuscin accumulation in the placenta. Lipofuscin accumulation in the placenta was found to be a normal process, reflecting activation of lipid peroxidation. Placental lipofuscin accumulation was found higher in gestosis, this pointing to a reduction of the functional potentialities of the placenta. The maximum lipofuscin levels were detected in cases with gestosis associated with threatened abortion. Further investigation of this problem is necessary.