The Hidden World of Placenta Cells: A Closer Look
The placenta is a remarkable organ that connects a mother and her baby during pregnancy. It has special cells called trophoblast cells. These cells form two distinct layers on the surface of tiny, tree-like structures called chorionic villi.
- One layer is the outer syncytiotrophoblast (STB)
- The other is the inner cytotrophoblast (CTB) layer
Understanding CTB Cells
Scientists are still trying to understand how CTB cells change during pregnancy. A recent study used advanced techniques to get a better look at these cells.
Advanced Techniques Used
- Fast Red Immunohistochemistry
- Highlights CTB cells
- Uses special markers to make cells visible under a microscope
- Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy (SBF-SEM)
- Allows scientists to see cells in 3D
- Revealed unique shapes of CTB cells
Findings
- Outer Parts of the Villi
- CTB cells are thin and flat
- Have many projections
Resemble spiders wrapping around grape-like terminal villi
- Inner Parts of the Villi
- CTB cells are thicker and block-like
- Cover the surface of the villi
- Form a thin mesh
The SBF-SEM images showed that the outer STB layer can reach through the small gaps in the CTB layer. This allows it to connect with the baby's blood vessels.
Implications
These findings suggest that the terminal villi change their structure to help with the exchange of nutrients and waste between the mother and the baby. This is crucial for the baby's growth and development.
