Effects of mifepristone on ultrastructure of placental Hofbauer cells in early human pregnancy / 中华妇产科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effects of mifepristone on the ultrastructure of Hofbauer cells in human early pregnant placenta. Methods Twenty 6-9 week pregnant women with indications of pregnancy termination were recruited and randomlied to mifepristone (n=10) and D & C group (n=10).Villi were collected and studied with transmission electron microscope. Results In comparison with the control group,the ultrastructure of Hofbauer cells of mifepristone group showed the following changes the cells were markedly edematous. The number of cytoplasmic processes of Hofbauer cells deceased obviously. In the cytoplasm of Hofbauer cells,the size of vacuoles enlarged and of mitochondrias minimized.Rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex were under-developed.Lysosomes were rare.The nuclei enlarged and showed irregular shape. Conclusions Mifepristone may change the phagocytosis'water and electrolyte transportation and immunological function of Hofbauer cells by influencing the ultrastructure of the Hofbauer cells.Therefore it can influence the development of pregnancy.