Electron Microscopic Localization of Binucleate Cells in the Sheep Placenta Using Phosphotungstic Acid

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Abstract
Phosphotungstic acid (PTA) under certain conditions produces an extremely selective high density staining of the microvillar junction and the granules of binucleate cells, but few other components in the sheep placenta. Granules similar in staining properties are also found in the syncytial layer. At all stages examined (Days 29–142) of normal pregnancy, a significant number of binucleate cells are found interrupting the microvillar junction staining, some deeply indenting the syncytium. The PTA staining emphasizes the similarity between binucleate cell and syncytial nuclei and their difference from the rest of the nuclei. The possible normal formation of syncytium from binucleate cells is briefly discussed.