Immunohistochemical Analysis of the Interhemal Membrane of the Elephant Shrew

The placenta of the elephant shrew, an African insectivore, was examined histochemically to resolve the controversy surrounding the nature of its interhemal membrane. Immunohistochemistry suggests that trophoblast abuts the maternal blood spaces, and evidence of maternal capillary basement membrane is lacking. The mature placenta of these species is thus hemochorial. Earlier developmental stages would require examination to rule out the possibility of a preceding endotheliochorial condition.