Comparison of villous trophoblast proliferation rate in hydatidiform mole and non-molar abortion by assessment of proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression.
This study examines the proliferative activity of trophoblast in hydatidiform mole, non-molar hydropic abortion and non-molar spontaneous abortion. Nine cases of complete mole, 10 cases of partial mole, eight cases of non-molar hydropic abortion and six cases of non-hydropic second trimester abortion were examined by routine histopathology and the rate of cell proliferation was assessed by immunoreactivity for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Hydropic abortion showed a significantly lower PCNA index than complete mole and partial mole. There was no significant difference in PCNA index between partial mole and non-hydropic abortion. The trophoblast of partial hydatidiform mole demonstrates significant cell proliferation but this, although higher than that of hydropic abortion, is no higher than that of non-hydropic abortion of a similar gestational age. The role of partial mole as a precursor of persistent gestational trophoblastis disease remains unclear.
Jeffers
M D
MD
Department of Pathology, Rotunda Hospital and Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
Grehan
D
D
Gillan
J E
JE
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000473:pathology*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D002455:Cell Division / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006828:Hydatidiform Mole / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen