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[Fetal membranes of the human. Electron microscopy study]
Fortschritte Der Medizin
|December 13, 1984
Summary
Human fetal membranes lack a strong permeability barrier, allowing substance exchange. Pathological pregnancies show specific changes in amniotic epithelium but not chorionic epithelium.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Cell biology
- Pathology
Context:
- The human fetal membranes play a crucial role in pregnancy.
- Understanding their structure is vital for studying fetal development and pregnancy complications.
Purpose:
- To investigate the ultrastructure of human fetal membranes.
- To compare membrane structure in normal versus pathological pregnancies (diabetes mellitus, rhesus incompatibility, toxemia).
Summary:
- Cellular junctions in amniotic epithelium include desmosomes and gap junctions.
- Chorionic epithelium also has desmosomes and gap junctions, with occasional tight junctions (maculae occludentes).
- The absence of zonulae occludentes suggests intercellular spaces facilitate paraplacental substance exchange.
- Pathological pregnancies exhibit specific, manifold morphological variations in the amniotic epithelium.
- Chorionic epithelium changes in pathological pregnancies are nonspecific and vary in quantity.
- Fetal membrane connective tissue contains fibroblasts, Hofbauer cells, and contractile myofibroblasts, potentially preventing overdistension.
Impact:
- Reveals the permeability characteristics of fetal membranes.
- Highlights specific ultrastructural adaptations in the amniotic epithelium during pathological pregnancies.
- Suggests a role for myofibroblasts in maintaining fetal membrane integrity.