Histopathological changes of placenta induced by cyclophosphamide in mice

Abstract

Following injection of a single dose of 12 mg/kg cyclophosphamide to pregnant mice on day 9 of gestation, the fetuses and placentae were collected on day 18. Fetuses showed various abnormalities and growth retardation. The placentae were lighter. The decidua exhibited hemorrhage, necrosis and infarction. The basal zone contained clumps of glycogen cells and more giant cells than the controls. The labyrinths were hyalinised. The trichorial placental barrier was thicker due to failure of the fetal mesenchyme to disappear. The arborization of fetal vasculature was reduced. The necrotic patch at the rim was found to contain acidophilic matrix and giant cells. Such pathological changes and their consequent interference with the fetal supply line are suggestive of their probable role in fetal growth retardation and malformations induced by cyclophosphamide.