Amniotic epithelium in diabetes mellitus. Light and electron microscopic examination

The epithelium of human amnion was examined under the light and electron microscopes. Morphologically, the amniotic epithelium in diabetes mellitus differs from that of a normal term specimen by the following characteristics: 1. An increase in the number of beta-shaped glycogen granules and lipid droplets; 2. The presence of epithelial areas with dead cells; 3. Thickening of the basal membrane. Areas with dead cells could be identified in the amniotic epithelium of diabetic patients. These were not found in normal term pregnancies nor in other types of high-risk pregnancies, such as non-diabetic hydramnios, rhesus incompatibility, or pretoxaemia/toxaemia. These findings may indicate that the areas are specific to diabetes mellitus.