Articles

LYMPHSPIRATION: ARE THERE LYMPHATIC VESSELS IN THE PLACENTA?

Authors: C Bellini ( ) , M Rutigliani ( ) , F Boccardo ( ) , C Campisi ( ) , T Bellini ( ) , E Bonioli ( ) , E Fulcheri ( )

Abstract

The role of lymphatics in placentation has been scantily studied and the true existence of placental lymphatics is under debate. Numerous blood and lymphatic-lineage molecule markers are now available and they are expressed in human placental tissue. D2-40 expression at the placental stromal level seems to indicate that network forming, podoplanin-expressing cells may act as a reticular-lymphatic-like conductive network. This exciting area at the intersection of perinatology and lymphology needs further investigation.

Keywords: placenta, lymphatics, immunohistochemistry, D2-40 podoplanin

How to Cite: Bellini, C. , Rutigliani, M. , Boccardo, F. , Campisi, C. , Bellini, T. , Bonioli, E. & Fulcheri, E. (2012) “LYMPHSPIRATION: ARE THERE LYMPHATIC VESSELS IN THE PLACENTA?”, Lymphology. 45(1).