A histologic study of the placentas of patients with saline- and prostaglandin-induced abortion.

A comparative histologic study of plancentas aborted after infusion of hypertonic saline or prostaglandin F2alpha into the amniotic cavity toinduce abortion is presented. Five placentas from spontaneous abortions served as controls. Saline abortion produced edema of the membranes; congested,dilated, thrombotic blood vessels; and subchorionic necrosis. Prostaglandin did not produce edema, but created marked vasospasm as evidenced by thickened vessels without subchorionic necrosis. The absence of serious sepsis and defibrination in prostaglandin-induced abortions is probably related to the absence of tissue necrosis.