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Comparative histochemical distribution of acid phosphatase, non-specific esterase, and β-glucuronidase in the placenta and foetal membranes

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Summary

The distribution of acid phosphatase, non-specific esterase (A, B and C types) and β-glucuronidase is examined in the placenta and foetal membranes of the horse, sheep, cat, dog, ferret, rat, rabbit, guinea-pig and human, and in the yolk-sac of the chick, the oviviviparous fish Limia maculata, and the human.

Hydrolase activity in the trophoblast is almost constantly present between maternal and foetal circulations, and may be associated with protein and lipid degradation prior to passage to the foetus.

Absorption in the yolk-sac of all species examined is associated with hydrolase activities, the rodent inverted yolk-sac appearing to be most active. Hydrolase activity is also seen in the non-placental chorion, particularly that of the sheep, and of the horse between the bases of the primary villi, enzyme activity here possibly being associated with absorption of uterine milk which is copious in both of these species.

Histochemical findings suggest, in the haematoma region of the carnivores, the possibility of iron transport by conjugation to protein and excretion in the maternal epithelium, followed by active absorption and de-conjugation in the trophoblast.

The significance of the histochemical findings in the decidua, rabbit trophoblastic multinucleate bodies, ferret thickened maternal endothelium, and fibrinoid capsule in the rat, is also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, Queen's College, Dundee

    Geoerge A. Christie

  2. Syntex Pharmaceuticals Ltd., St. Ives House, St. Ives Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire

    Geoerge A. Christie

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Christie, G.A. Comparative histochemical distribution of acid phosphatase, non-specific esterase, and β-glucuronidase in the placenta and foetal membranes. Histochemie 12, 189–207 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00305996

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00305996

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