Maturity of the Myenteric Plexus Is Decreased in the Gastroschisis Rat Model (original) (raw)

2007, Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy

ing) and immunofluorescence (␣-internexin), respectively. Results: BW was not significantly different among the control, sham and gastroschisis groups at both ages. IW and IL were larger and shorter, respectively, in the gastroschisis fetuses (p ! 0.001) at both ages. Intestinal diameters and wall layers presented significant differences among control, sham and gastroschisis fetuses at both ages (p ! 0.001), but the time of exposure to AF compromised the serous membrane, D-II (diameter II, p ! 0.001) and IL (p = 0.001). ␣-Internexin presented more intensive immunoreactivity in gastroschisis fetuses at E18.5. Conclusions: In gastroschisis, the longer the time of exposure to AF, the more severe bowel impairment will be, especially with regard to IL and the serous layer, and the more immature the myenteric plexus will be.