IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF HUMAN PLACENTAS OBTAINED AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF CHINESE MEDICINAL HERB (CHUAN-XIN-LIAN)INDUCED ABORTION DURING MID-PREGNANCY / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

12 cases of human placentas were obtained after administration of Chinese medicinal herb (Chuan-Xin-Lian) -induced abortion during mid-pregnancy. Six placentas from curettage induced abortion during mid-pregnancy were used as controls. All the specimens were studied histochemically and immunohistochemically by using antiserum to HCG with PAP method. In most of the specimens from women treated during mid-pregnancy, we observed a decreased immunoreaction of antiserum to HCG and a decrease of RNA content in the syncytiotrophoblasts. Increased activity of acid phosphatase in dccidual cells was observed during mid-pregnancy. These findings indicate that during mid-pregnancy, Chinese medicinal herb (Chuan-Xin-Lian) can reduce the synthesis of HCG in syncytiotrophoblasts and can initiate uterine contractions, so that abortion results. The possibility that the changes of lysosomal enzymes are involved in the initiation of uterine contractions is disscused.