ULTRASTRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS OF THE AMNIOCYTES IN 2 PATIENTS WITH RUBELLA DURING THE FIRST-TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY

The amniotic fluid cells of 2 patients with rubella at the 18th week o f pregnancy were obtained during therapeutic abortion and examined wit h a transmission and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In comparis on with amniocytes of healthy women, those of rubella patients showed marked alterations, consisting of lack of heterochromatin, almost comp lete disappearance of the electron-dense cytoplasmic layer and membran e changes. The membrane damage was clearly demonstrated by SEM and was expressed by a decrease in the number and size of microvilli. Althoug h more experience is needed for evaluation of the ultrastructure of th e amniotic fluid cells in rubella patients, these findings may serve a s an additional tool for the intrauterine diagnosis of rubella.