HISTOLOGICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF NORMOTENSIVE AND PREECLAMPTIC PLACENTAS

Abstract

The placenta plays a role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is more common in multifetal pregnancies than singleton pregnancies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the histopathology of normotensive and preeclamptic placentas and the localization of alkaline phosphatase activity. In our study, 10 normotensive and 10 preeclamptic, totally 20 placentas were obtained.Paraffin sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson trichrome and PAS for histopathological examination.Remaining sections were then stained via Gomori’s method and micrographed under light microscope. Sections of the control group observed normal histologically structure.The alkaline phosphatase reaction was evident in the inner and outer membranes of the syncytiotrophoblasts. There was a significant increase in the number of syncytial knots, terminal villi and syncytial bridges in the preeclamptic placenta sections. Marked thickening of the trophoblast basal membranes were observed. Alkaline phosphatase reaction in preeclampsia group: The localization of alkaline phosphatase in the inner and outer membranes of the syncytiotrophoblasts was reduced. In placentas of preeclampsia group, a significant increase in syncytial knot, syncytial bridge were observed. The level of alkaline phosphatase enzyme in preeclamptic placentas was found to be lower compared to normotensive placenta.