DNA flow cytometric analysis of abortions. A simple method for detection of triploidy and tetraploidy in the trophoblastic cells

Abstract

By flow cytometric analysis of nuclear DNA content it is possible to demonstrate the cellular clones that have a quantity of DNA higher or lower in comparison with that of diploid nuclei. The possibility of measuring DNA ploidy by flow cytometry provides a simple way to asses triploidy and tetraploidy in placental tissue. In this investigation, are reported the results of the DNA analysis in a series of 540 consecutive spontaneous abortions or suction curettage material obtained after intrauterine death, which was detected by ultrasound examination. At microscopy 351 (65.0%) cases showed feature of normal placentas, 147 (27.2%) of hydropic abortus, 27 (5.0%) of partial hydatidiform mole and 15 (2.8%) of complete hydatidiform mole. DNA flow cytometric analysis showed triploidy in 38 cases (7.0%) and tetraploidy in 12 cases (2.2%). Comparing microscopic feature and ploidy, 12 normal placental specimens were triploid, 6 were tetraploid. Nine hydropic abortuses had a triploid DNA content, 5 a tetraploid DNA content. In the group of partial hydatidiform moles triploidy has been found in 14 cases, whereas tetraploidy in one case and diploidy in 12 cases. Twelve complete hydatidiform moles showed a diploid DNA content and 3 a triploid one. The incidence of poliploid pregnancies has been higher among young patients. In most cases the poliploid pregnancy was the first pregnancy of the patient. DNA flow cytometric analysis is a simple and useful mean to state etiology of many spontaneous abortion, even when histology is negative. This analysis must be associated with morphology in this field.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)