Ultrastructure of Placenta of Gravidas with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Figure 2

Ultrastructure of placentas from control group (a–c, g–i) and GDM group (d–f, j–l) observed using a JEM-1010 electron microscope. TEM images showed at different magnifications (×5000 (a and d), ×12 000 (b and e), and ×25 000 (c and f)). (a–c) Normal placental barriers were displayed in control, VSM, composed of the outer layer ST with a multitude of microvilli (MV) on the surface, fetal capillaries with fetal blood cells inside, and BM and interspaces between them. (d–f) In GDM group, intact placental barriers were apparent along with degenerative alterations of the terminal villi, mainly in VSM and BM, including thicker placental barriers, decreased apical microvilli, and increased multiple vacuoles (V) in ST. Bar = 5 um (a and d), 2 um (b and e), and 1 um (c and f). (g–i) Mitochondria (g), cytoplasmic vacuoles (h), and ER (i) with normal appearance in the cytoplasm of ST in control group. (j) The massive swelling, even ridge deprivation, and architectural disruption of mitochondria (m) in the GDM placenta. (k) The massive cytoplasmic vacuoles accumulation in the ST of GDM placenta. (l) The dilation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae in GDM group. Bar = 500 nm (g and j), 2 um (h and k), and 1 um (i and l).

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