The cytology of hofbauer cells

Cytological investigation of Hofbauer cells in various stages of gestation reveals that they are similar to normal macrophages except for unusually large cytoplasmic flanges and included vacuoles. The system of vacuoles is apparently the result of macropinocytotic activity. The individual vacuoles undergo asymmetrical collapse in regions adjacent to small juxtavacuolar tubules thought to be derived from the agranular endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, coated micropinocytotic vesicles are common. Hofbauer cells thus appear to be a type of macrophage with an unusual capacity for fluid ingestion. In younger placentas, Hofbauer cells are usually associated with extracellular compartments within the stroma. These compartments are relatively free of collagen fibrils and demonstrable ground substance and are clearly demarcated from the rest of the stroma by processes of fibroblasts. The abundance of these cells in early placentas, their location in the stroma, and evidence of their pinocytotic activity suggest that these cells may play a role in removal of proteins from interstitial fluid. Hofbauer‐like cells were also studied in the guinea pig and the little brown bat. Of these two species, the Hofbauer‐like cells of the bat more closely resemble human Hofbauer cells in that they show evidence of extensive macropinocytotic activity.