Introduction. Placental dysfunction is underlying cause in most of
the intrauterine growth restriction and the pregnancy complications
where the fetus does not achieve its genetically determined potential
for growth. The critical process for the development of the placenta is
angiogenesis. CD31 is an important endothelial adhesion protein that
enables angiogenesis. The study aimed to analyze the CD31 expression
and vascular parameters in normal placentas and IUGR placentas.
Methods. Thirty placental samples, fifteen IUGR placentas, and fifteen
term normal placental samples were analyzed. The hematoxylin-eosin
method and immunohistochemical method with anti CD31 antibody
were used for the staining of the tissue sections. The analyzed vascular
parameters were: capillary number density (CND), capillary area density
(CAD), and capillary surface density (CSD).
Results. Between normal placentas and IUGR placentas there was no
determined difference in CD31 expression. Positive intensive staining
of CD31 was found in the endothelium of all blood vessels and no
staining was observed in cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast
cells. In IUGR placentas, CND of 2.55 capillary/1000 μm2 villous area
was significantly decreased compared to normal placentas of 3.49 capillary/
1000 μm2 villous area. CAD in IUGR placentas of 30.49 % was significantly
decreased compared to normal placentas of 52.80 % villous
area. CSD in IUGR placentas (92.81 μm/1000μm2) was significantly reduced
compared to CSD in normal placentas (145.51 μm/1000μm2).
Conclusion. The localization and intensity of CD31 expression were
not different between the IUGR and normal placentas. Histological
vascular parameters of placental villi are decreased in the IUGR placenta.
In case of intrauterine growth restriction, there is a reduced vascularization
of the terminal villi of the placenta.
