Robert J. Schlegel

Observations on the Chromosomal, Cytological and Anatomical Characteristics of 75 Human Conceptuses

Chromosome studies were successfully carried out on histologically identified tissues from 30 of 67 spontaneously aborted and eight full term products of conception. The anatomical structure of the amnion and chorion was normal in the eight full term cases and in 27 of the aborted specimens, each of which was found to have a normal chromosome complement. In three aborted specimens there were placental abnormalities consisting of hydatidiform degeneration of the chorionic villi, chorionic cysts and arborizing amniotic polyps. Giant cells were scattered through the bases, stems and dilated tips of the amniotic polyps. These abnormal cases had triploid XXY/diploid XY, triploid XXX and triploid XYY karyotypes respectively. In one specimen cultured cells from both the amnion and the embryo yielded triploid XXX karyotypes. The mean nuclear diameter of triploid amnion cells was found to be significantly greater than that of diploid amnion cells (P = 0.001) in the fresh tissue state and in tissue culture.

Arborizing amniotic polyps in triploid conceptuses: A diagnostic anatomic lesion?

Abstract Characteristic structural abnormalities were found in an aborted human triploid/diploid conceptus and in 2 triploid human conceptuses. Arborizing amniotic polyps were present in each of the 3 specimens. The cell constitution of the polyps was found to be partially composed of mononuclear giant cells. There was hydatidiform degeneration of the chorionic villi in each specimen, and, in the triploid/diploid mosaic specimen and one of the triploid specimens, thick-walled chorionic cysts were present. No anomaly could be detected in either of the 2 triploid embryos which were recovered. Death and ultimate abortion of triploid embryos might result from abnormalities of the placenta and fetal membranes rather than from a lethal defect in the embryo proper.

Leukocyte Maturation: G-6-PD Activity and NBT Dye Reduction

Evidence was presented at these meetings last year that human leukocyte G-6-PD activity decayed at significantly greater rates in newborns than in adults. Quantitative NBT dye reduction was correspondingly low provided collection, incubation and measurement times were carefully controlled. The present studies reflect longitudinal maturation of these functions as shown in the table.These results show a fall in both G-6-PD activity and NBT dye reduction during early months of life followed by a continuous increase with maturation. In contrast, levels of 6-PGD activity remain constant. Lability of G-6-PD and diminished NBT dye reduction are also present in chronic granulomatous disease, an immune deficiency disorder associated with defective bactericidal activity of leukocytes [BELLANTI et al., Pediat. Res. 1970]. These findings offer an explanation for the increase in resistance known to occur with age.