Abstract:

Background: Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria occuring after the 20th week of gestation. The purpose of this study was to compare the ultrastructural changes occuring in platelets of preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women. Method: Venous blood samples of whom 20 with preeclampsia and 20 of normotensive, for platelets extraction were firstly centrifuged. After prefixation and postfixation, was dehydrated at the increased alcohol degrees, left in infiltration and blocked. Then, semi-thin sections taken with ultramicrotome were stained with toludine blue. The assesment was made through light microscope following thin sections being taken and stained with contrast, platelets were examined ultrastructurally and their electron micrographs were taken. Results: In the preeclampsia group the number of alpha and dense granules decreased, to a great extent, and the structures of channel systems in tubular structure, were observed to be irregular. Conclusion: It is clearly seen that preeclampsia induces cellular damage in platelets and in case of aggravation in preeclampsia, it may cause significant changes in cell membranes of platelets and cytoplasmic organelles.

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