Early placentation in the African green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops).

Placentation in the green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) from gestational ages of 18-30 days was studied by light and electron microscopy. The placentae show many features in common with that of the rhesus monkey and other related macaques. Implantation is superficial and bidiscoid, and the placenta is classified as villous and hemomonochorial. Epithelial plaque formation and a moderate stromal reaction occur. Plaque cells are large, with massive deposits of glycogen and marginal pleomorphic dense bodies. Observations further support the concept that chorionic blood vessels, angioblastic and mesenchymal cells are not derived by delamination from cytotrophoblast. Capillary formation is by attachment of one or more mesenchymal cells and/or their processes. Embryonic blood was not observed in the villi until after day 22.