Histological Studies of the Placenta and Uterus of the Normal and the Resorbing Rat Fetus

Abstract

Histological studies of the uterus and the maternal placenta in the normal and resorbing 13 day old rat fetus are discussed. In animals fed Lathyrus odoratus the histological changes in the uterine wall suggest leucocytosis, inflammation, and possible fibrosis. A large lipid zone of degenerating giant cells is observed in the 13th day placenta, while in the normal placenta this zone was found best developed at term. A direct relationship between the number of giant cells and clear cells is observed, for as the pregnancy advances, the number of giant cells increases and clear cells decreases. These changes are most marked in the experimental animals.