| Abstrakt: |
Normal and abnormal human placentas, as well as specimens of hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma, have been surveyed for homologous plasma albumin and globulin by the fluorescent antibody technique. Protein has been found broadly dispersed throughout the stromal ground substance of the villi, decidua, and cord, as well as in the intervillous spaces. Slight specific localization has been noted in the trophoblastic cytoplasm, but not within nuclei. Syncytial knots have shown somewhat higher levels of cytoplasmic protein accumulation. Albumin and gamma globulin exhibited similar distribution, and all placental material, including that from a case of erythroblastosis fetalis, presented similar topography. Syncytial masses in the choriocarcinoma revealed intracytoplasmic localization, while the mole showed a general diffusion through the vesicular stroma. The findings do not indicate synthesis of blood protein by the human placenta, but rather point to a transfer of maternal albumin and globulin across the syncytium, perhaps by pinocytosis and subsequent discharge into the villous stroma. |
