Classics revisited: Anna Reinstein-Mogilowa's observations on uterine glands and the cytotrophoblastic shell in the first trimester of human pregnancy. (1st January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carter, Anthony M.
• Is Part Of: Placenta. Volume 89(2020)
• Page Start: 88
• Page End: 90
• Publication Date: 2020-01-01
• Subjects: Cytotrophoblastic shell -- History of science -- Placentation -- Uterine glands -- Women in STEM; Placenta -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Périodiques; Reproduction -- Périodiques; 612.63
• DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.11.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-4004

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Anna Reinstein-Mogilowa was the first woman to publish a journal article on placenta. She was among several women from Imperial Russia to study medicine at Swiss universities in the late nineteenth century. Findings: Her observations on first trimester placenta built on those of her supervisor Theodor Langhans and a study of term placenta by her compatriot Raissa Nitabuch. She established the fetal origin of what is now known as the cytotrophoblastic shell. In addition, she made a close study of the uterine glands concluding that they did not connect to the intervillous space. Her subsequent career as an obstetrician was in a suburb of Buffalo, New York. Together with her husband and daughter she was a political activist. Discussion: Anna Reinstein-Mogilowa's life is discussed in the context of contemporary women in science including Raissa Nitabuch and Eva Chaletzy/Haljecka. Their stories are interpreted against the historical background of obstacles to the study and practise of medicine faced by nineteenth century women. Highlights: Anna Reinstein-Mogilowa was the first woman to publish on placenta. She established the origin of the cytotrophoblastic shell. Later she practised obstetrics in a suburb of Buffalo, New York. Swiss universities played a key role in early medical education for women.