| Abstract: | In this study, we examined the existence and structure of areolae and the
steroidogenesis of areolar trophoblast cells in the Antarctic minke whale placenta
morphologically and immunohistochemically. Placentas were collected from the 15th, 16th
and 18th Japanese Whale Research Program under Special Permit in the Antarctic (JARPA) and
1st JARPA II organized by the Institute of Cetacean Research in Tokyo, Japan. The opening
and cavity of fetal areolae formed by taller columnar trophoblast cells (areolar
trophoblast cells) with long microvilli and a bright cytoplasm, as compared with the
trophoblast cells of the chorionic villi interdigitating with the endometrial crypts, were
recognized in observations of serial sections. The opening of the areolar cavity was
hidden by chorionic villi with areolar trophoblast cells. Furthermore, a closed pouch-like
structure lined by tall columnar cells similar to areolar trophoblast cells within the
stroma of chorionic villi was noticed and continued to the areolar cavity, with the
opening seen on serial sections. In a surface investigation of the chorion and endometrium
by SEM, maternal (endometrial) areolae irregularly surrounded by endometrial folds were
obvious. Moreover, we distinguished areolar trophoblast cells with long microvilli
attached with many blebs from trophoblast cells. In our immunohistochemical observations,
a steroidogenic enzyme, cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), was detected
with strong immunoreactivity in trophoblast cells. However, areolar trophoblast cells
showed weak or no immunoreactivity for P450scc. |
