Epithelium of the human chorion laeve in diabetes mellitus. Light and electron microscopic examination.

The epithelium of human chorion laeve from pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus was examined under the light and electron microscopy. In comparison with normal chorion laeve, the epithelium of chorion laeve in diabetes mellitus shows the following morphological changes: The trophoblast cells display more microvilli and cell processes on their surface. Trophoblast cells with different cytoplasmic characteristics can be seen. Some display few organelles and large glycogen depositions; other are rich in organelles. Furthermore, some cells with electron dense filaments and few cell organelles can be found. Necrotic cells are frequently present in the outer epithelial layers. The intercellular spaces in the epithelial layers near the basement membrane are narrower. Since vasculopathy of the decidual arteries with disturbance of blood circulation is often found in pathological pregnancies, we assume that the morphological changes found are due to deficiency in nutrient and oxygen supply.