An electron microscopic study of histiotrophe in the interareolar part of the porcine placenta

Placentae from nine sows covering gestational stages from 33 to 112 days were examined by light and electron microscopy. Deeply stainable electron-dense histiotrophe was demonstrated in the interareolar placenta. Focal accumulations of cell debris with profiles of organelles were demonstrated in the intermicrovillous space between uterine epithelium and trophoblast. In addition, small expansions of amorphous histiotrophe were found between the microvilli. Furthermore, histiotrophe with profiles of cytomembranes was shown in intercellular spaces in columnar trophoblast between the microvillar border and tight junctions. Dense bodies were demonstrated in the uterine epithelium, and endocytic vesicles and branched tubular structures with dense contents were found in the columnar trophoblast. It is concluded that focal accumulations of cell debris are derived from degenerating epithelial cells in the endometrium and chorion, and that amorphous histiotrophe arises by secretory activity of uterine epithelium. It is further concluded that the histiotrophe is absorbed by columnar trophoblast of the chorionic fossae.