Stimulated Hofbauer Cells in the Placental Villi from Patients with Second-Trimester Abortions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to characterize the ultrastructural and enzyme-histochemical features of Hofbauer cells in the placental villi of second-trimester abortions. Hofbauer cells in the abortive placenta had more numerous cytoplasmic processes and more prominent phagosomes as compared to gestational age-matched normal control placenta. Acid phosphatase activity was demonstrated in both the lysosomes and on phagosomal membranes of these cells. Our results indicate that Hofbauer cells in second-trimester abortions are activated or stimulated in situ. These activated Hofbauer cells might play important roles in the pathophysiology of preterm parturition.