Evaluation of the contribution of the placentomal fusion during gestation in cattle

The placenta of mammals is a structure formed by the juxtaposition of the fetal membranes and the maternal tissues. The main function of the placenta is to regulate the physiological interchange between the fetus and the mother as well as to operate as animportant endocrine organ during the gestation. The placentomal fusions were characterized throughout gestation of cattle using macroscopic, histological and flow cytometryanalyses. Analyzing the cell cycle phases with a flow cytometry, a balance between the G2M phase and apoptosis was observed, suggesting that the placentomal fusions do not interferein the placentary maturation process, which is a pre-requirement for the fetal-maternal disconnection and the release of fetal membrane.