Placenta and fetal membrane in genital mycoplasmic infection: Immunofluorescence and electron microscopic study

Abstract

Summary In pregnant women with genital mycoplasmosis, damage to the placenta and fetal membranes from pathogenic immune complexes (PIC) deposited in them has been shown. IgA and IgM predominate in these complexes. PIC have been found in all layers of the fetal membranes, though mainly at the site of rupture and on the posterior uterine wall. The degree of pathological change in the membranes increased with the site of PIC localization. The following changes in the amniotic ultrastructure and function were seen: decrease of the number of microvilli; destructive changes of the nucleus and epithelial cytoplasm with lipovacuolar inclusions; lipophanerosis with formation of myelin-like bodies; fibrinoid necrosis of stroma; destruction of the fibroblast cytoplasm. Disorders of the structure and function with changes in the immune state of the placenta and fetal membranes are considered to be pathogenic factors in adaptation disorders of the newborn and of the increased incidence of infectious and allergic diseases of these infants in the first year of life.