Hofbauer cell
Encyclopedia
Hofbauer cells are oval cells found in the placenta
, which are of mesenchymal origin, within the core of the chorionic villous
, particularly numerous in early pregnancy
. They are believed to be a type of macrophage
and are most likely involved in preventing the transmission of pathogens from the mother to the fetus
(so-called vertical transmission). Although there are many studies concerning placental vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, there has been a lack of evidence on the possible roles of Hofbauer cells in these processes.
Under histology sections, Hofbauer cells have appeared with discernible amount of cytoplasm.
Placenta
The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall to allow nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother's blood supply. "True" placentas are a defining characteristic of eutherian or "placental" mammals, but are also found in some snakes and...
, which are of mesenchymal origin, within the core of the chorionic villous
Chorionic villi
Chorionic villi are villi that sprout from the chorion in order to give a maximum area of contact with the maternal blood.Embryonic blood is carried to the villi by the branches of the umbilical arteries, and after circulating through the capillaries of the villi, is returned to the embryo by the...
, particularly numerous in early pregnancy
Pregnancy
Pregnancy refers to the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, in a woman's uterus. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets...
. They are believed to be a type of macrophage
Macrophage
Macrophages are cells produced by the differentiation of monocytes in tissues. Human macrophages are about in diameter. Monocytes and macrophages are phagocytes. Macrophages function in both non-specific defense as well as help initiate specific defense mechanisms of vertebrate animals...
and are most likely involved in preventing the transmission of pathogens from the mother to the fetus
Fetus
A fetus is a developing mammal or other viviparous vertebrate after the embryonic stage and before birth.In humans, the fetal stage of prenatal development starts at the beginning of the 11th week in gestational age, which is the 9th week after fertilization.-Etymology and spelling variations:The...
(so-called vertical transmission). Although there are many studies concerning placental vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, there has been a lack of evidence on the possible roles of Hofbauer cells in these processes.
Under histology sections, Hofbauer cells have appeared with discernible amount of cytoplasm.