Gap junctions in hemodichorial and hemotrichorial placentae

Abstract

Gap junctions were found to be a constant feature of chorioallantoic placentae with two or three trophoblastic layers. The gap junctions connect layers I and II in hemodichorial and layers II and III in hemotrichorial placentae. Although the gap junctions vary in form and in the packing density of membrane-associated particles, they cover an extensive surface area in all species examined. The gap junctions always connect adjacent membranes of two trophoblastic layers, which show no evidence of micropinocytotic activity; at least one of these trophoblastic layers is syncytial. It is therefore concluded that the gap junctions play an important role in diaplacental transport. We consider that gap junctions act as molecular sieves, resulting in limitations in the transport of large molecules. The passage of small molecules, on the contrary, would be facilitated by the gap junctions.