[Fragmentation of polyploid nuclei in rat trophoblast giant cells. II. Formation of deep folds in the nuclear envelope--the beginning of fragmentation]

Abstract

Using light and electron microscopy, the nuclear envelope (NE) of the trophoblast giant cells has been examined at the beginning of the spontaneous fragmentation of nuclei on the last days of pregnancy (not long before their degeneration). In the course of the polyploid nucleus division, deep and narrow invaginations appear in the NE, frequently running through the whole nucleus, from one pole towards the other, and separating it into fragments. Short finger-like outgrowings are seen extending from the long invaginations perperdicularly or at a certain angel. Both the nuclear membrances, having numerous nuclear pores, are involved in the formation of these invaginations and shorter extentions. Local enlargements are seen produced in the perinuclear space, mainly in the area of NE invaginations. Narrow folds, separating the giant nucleus into fragments, are filled with the cytoplasm rich in ribosomes. In the nuclear fragments so produced, association between the earlier dispersed chromatin and the NE becomes stronger. Large accumulations of the condensed chromatin are mainly distributed under the NE, only a few minute chromatin blocks being found in the center of the nucleus filled up with diffuse chromatin.