Are there lymphatic vessels in the placenta?

Lymphology. 2012 Mar;45(1):34-6.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphatic Vessels / anatomy & histology*
  • Lymphatic Vessels / chemistry
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / analysis
  • Placenta / anatomy & histology*
  • Placenta / blood supply
  • Placenta / chemistry
  • Placentation*
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Biomarkers
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • PDPN protein, human
  • monoclonal antibody D2-40