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Preparation of human placental villous surface membrane

Nature volume 252, pages 302–303 (1974)Cite this article

Abstract

THERE is currently considerable interest in the mechanism of protection of the foetus against rejection by the mother1. Various theories have been put forward to explain this phenomenon, including the existence of an immunologically inert barrier between mother and foetus2, and a reduction of immunological reactivity of the mother during pregnancy3. A further possibility is that a hormone such as progesterone binds to the external villous surface of the placenta and masks its antigenicity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynaecology, St. Thomas' Hospital Medical School, London, SE1

    NANCY C. SMITH & M. G. BRUSH

  2. Department of Electron Microscopy, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2, UK

    SUSAN LUCKETT

Authors
  1. NANCY C. SMITH
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  2. M. G. BRUSH
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  3. SUSAN LUCKETT
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SMITH, N., BRUSH, M. & LUCKETT, S. Preparation of human placental villous surface membrane. Nature 252, 302–303 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1038/252302b0

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