Light microscopic visualization of peroxisomes and plasmalogens in first trimester chorionic villi.

Peroxisomes and their metabolites the plasmalogens were visualized in chorionic villi by quick and simple procedures. Villi were stained and mounted in toto, and can also be embedded. These methods may contribute to early prenatal diagnosis of peroxisomal disorders (Zellweger syndrome, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, infantile Refsum's disease a.o.).