Immunohistochemical location of HPL, SP1 and β-HCG in normal placentas of varying gestational age

Sixty-four placentas at various gestational ages were examined by immunohistochemical stains for HPL, SP1 and beta-HCG according to a modified PAP method (Sternberger 1970). Syncytiotrophoblast cell layer was identified as the main site of synthesis. Extravillous immunohistochemical reactions for HPL and SP1 (but not for beta-HCG) were found in X-cells of the basal plate and in the intervillous trophoblast islands. These cell types would thus seem to be derived from trophoblast. Hofbauer-cells of villous connective tissue stained specifically for beta-HCG apparently because of HCG phagocytosis. The intensity of staining for HPL, SP1 and beta-HCG was evaluated semiquantitatively in the syncy…