Journal article

Publication year: 1996

Pages: 166-171

Journal: Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation

Volume number: 3

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 1071-5576

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/1071-5576(96)00023-8

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: TO estimate the in vivo dimensions of fetal villous tree of term placenta.

METHODS: Dual-circuit perfusion-fixation of a cotyledon from eight normal term placentas was performed with random intra-cotyledon tissue sampling. Stereologic methods were used to derive estimates of villous (intermediate and terminal) surface area and volume, and star volume (a measure of villous volume).

RESULTS: Villous surface area (mean 20.9 m(2) [standard deviation 1.8]), capillary surface area (12.8 m(2) [1.5]), villous volume (469 mL [40]), and capillary volume (80 mL [10]) values were all approximately 50% higher than reported previously. Star volume estimates ranged from 480 to 1350 mu m(3).

CONCLUSION: Tissue perfusion-fixation more accurately reconstructs the in vivo state, resulting in higher reference values than previously thought for the fetal villous tree dimensions. Up to one-quarter of fetoplacental blood volume is likely to be accommodated within the placenta at term.

Harvard Citation style: Luckhardt, M., Leiser, R., Kingdom, J., Malek, A., Sager, R., Kaisig, C., et al. (1996) Effect of physiologic perfusion-fixation on the morphometrically evaluated dimensions of the term placental cotyledon, Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation, 3(4), pp. 166-171. https://doi.org/10.1016/1071-5576(96)00023-8

APA Citation style: Luckhardt, M., Leiser, R., Kingdom, J., Malek, A., Sager, R., Kaisig, C., & Schneider, H. (1996). Effect of physiologic perfusion-fixation on the morphometrically evaluated dimensions of the term placental cotyledon. Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation. 3(4), 166-171. https://doi.org/10.1016/1071-5576(96)00023-8