Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Histology

Background and objectives: The current study was designed to review histological structure of normal placenta and explore the histological changes in preeclamptic placentas. This sheds light on the possible pathogenesis of placental damage by exploring the definitive role of natural killer cells and macrophages in this process. Materials and Methods: Forty placentas were collected, 20 control placentas from healthy primigravidae (GI), and the other 20 placentas from preeclamptic patients (GII). Maternal venous blood was obtained before delivery to assess serum levels of IL-10, IL-12, and TGF-Ý1. After delivery, all placental biopsies were formalin fixed, paraffin embedded, and cut at 5om thickness. They were subjected to H&E, Mallory's trichrome stain and immunohistochemical stains for BCL-2, VEGF, CD56, and CD68 antibodies. Morphometric and statistical studies were done.Results: Normal placentas showed multilayered chorionic plate, different types of villi lined by syncytiotrophoblasts, and basal plate. Collagen fibers were detected in stroma of villi. Immune staining of BCL2 was high, while that of VEGF was low in controls. CD56 and CD68 cell counts were also low. IL10 was high, while IL12 and TGF-Ý were low in controls. Deterioration of histological architecture of placenta, abnormal biochemical and morphometric parameters were recorded in pre-eclampsia group. These included increased fibrinoid deposition, overcrowdness of villi., increased syncytial knots and hyalinization of fetal blood vessels were seen

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