Summary
To explore the role of calcium in the materno-foetal relationship we decided to study the surface ultrastructure of the human placenta. Fresh pieces of tissues were obtained from central and peripheral parts of the maternal surface of human full-term placentas, processed and then examined with the Scanning Electron Microscope. Calcium depositions could only be seen at higher magnifications in forms of flecks, plaques, and concretions. They were frequently found in firm association with the tips of microvilli projecting from the apical parts of the syncytiotrophoblasts, which led to the clumping of those tips. Regional variations in the distribution of calcium deposits were apparent. Our findings indicate that placental calcification is a continual process occurring simultaneously in various parts of the placenta to varying degrees. Moreover, it seems possible that the process of placental calcification is of clinical and pathological significance bearing relationship to both maternal and foetal conditions.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Avery CR, Aterman K (1971) Calcification of the basement-membrane of placental villi. J Pathol 103:199–200
Bell GH, Emslie-Smith D, Paterson CR (1976) Bone and the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. In: Textbook of physiology and biochemistry. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, pp 431–440
Fox H (1978) Macroscopic abnormalities of the placenta. In: Pathology of the placenta. WB Saunders, London, pp 95–148
Hassler O (1969) Placental calcifications: a biophysical and histologic study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 103:348–353
Ibrahim MEA, AL-Zuhair AGH, Mughal S, Hathout H (1982) Surface ultrastructure of the human placental villi and sites of contact with maternal red blood cells. Arch Gynecol 233:67–72
Jeacock MK, Scott J, Plester JA (1963) Calcium content of the human placenta. Am J Obstet Gynecol 87:34–45
MacDonald NS, Hutchinson DL, Helper M, Flynn E (1965) Movement of calcium in both directions across the primate placenta. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 119:476–481
Masters M, Clayton SG (1940) Calcification of the human placenta. J Obstet Gynaecol Br Emp 47:437–443
Salazar H, Gonzalez-Angulo A (1967) The fine structure of human chorionic villi and placental transfer of iron in late pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 87:851–865
Tapp E (1969) Basement-membrane calcification in the placenta. J Pathol 99:333–335
Tindall VR, Scott JS (1965) Placental calcification: a study of 3,025 singleton and multiple pregnancies. J Obstet Gynaecol Br Commonw 72:356–373
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
AL-Zuhair, A.G.H., Ibrahim, M.E.A. & Mughal, S. Calcium deposition on the maternal surface of the human placenta: A scanning electron microscopic study. Arch. Gynecol. 234, 167–172 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00570752
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00570752