MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN HUMAN PLACENTA OF WET SNUFF USERS

Background: Wet snuff is commonly used by both males and females in different parts of Pakistan. Apart from other ingredients, tobacco is the major component of snuff. Adverse effects of smoking on morphology of human placenta have been shown by some previous studies. But snuff is not considered as dangerous as smoking during pregnancy. This study was designed to see the effects of snuff on morphology of human placenta. Methods: In present study total 80 human placentae, 40 from normal and 40 from snuff users were used. This study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy Basic Medical Sciences Institution (BSMI) Karachi. Duration of study was six months. Samples were obtained from Gynaecology and Obstetric unit-I JPMC. Placentae washed well with running tap water to remove blood clots. Umbilical cord and other membranes were removed and placenta gently squeezed to expel the foetal blood. Gross features like weight, diameters, central thickness and attachment of umbilical cord were noted in normal and snuff users ’ placentae. Then placentae were preserved in 10 % formalin for at least five days before the sectioning for micromorphology. Placentae divided in two groups-A & B. 4 µm thick sections of the tissue were taken on rotary microtome and stained with H & E, Mallorys trichrome and methanamine silver for different histological observations. Results: Mircromorpholgical changes have been observed in placentae of snuff users leading to loss of functional components of placentae. This los