index
General and Systemic Histopathology, C601&C602
     
    Slide 204: Placenta, erythroblastosis fetalis 
     

    This slide includes both a section of placenta and umbilical cord. Look at it all, but the changes will be in the placental villi. We’re looking for pigment deposition. It’s iron and represents the leftovers from the RBC destruction brought about by the immune hemolytic process. Although this is an example of Rh incompatibility, other RBC antigens can also give rise to this condition. The key factor is that the antibody must be small enough to pass through the placenta and into the child’s circulatory system.

    See this slide with the virtual microscope.

     

    Look at the placental villi of with dark brown pigment; it’s iron. This tells us there’s been RBC hemolysis.


      Reproductive Diseases Lab Page | Previous Slide | Next Slide |Table of Contents

    Back to Home