CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PHAGOCYTIC-CELLS ISOLATED FROM THE HUMAN-PLACENTA

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 31 (4), 317-324
Abstract
The human placenta (1st trimester and full term) contains a significant population of mononuclear cells (isolated by proteolytic treatment) expressing receptos for Fc(IgG) and C3 and bearing surface Ig that is probably cytophilic. The cells, as assessed by morphology, resembled macrophages and actively partook in both immune and nonimmune phagocytosis. The receptor and phagocytic characteristics of the placenta suggested that it may be regarded as an important compartment of the RES and that these properties probably contribute significantly to its defensive role in utero.