A Rabbit Model for Optimization of Amniotic Fluid Components in the EXTrauterine Environment for Newborn Development (EXTEND) System.
Amniotic fluid
Animal model
Fetal growth and development
Fetal rabbit
Journal
Fetal diagnosis and therapy
ISSN: 1421-9964
Titre abrégé: Fetal Diagn Ther
Pays: Switzerland
ID NLM: 9107463
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
2020
2020
Historique:
received:
03
01
2020
accepted:
06
06
2020
pubmed:
3
9
2020
medline:
25
11
2021
entrez:
3
9
2020
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
In this model article, we present a protocol for continuous amniotic fluid exchange in rabbits using a novel system to test the effects of growth factor-deficient, artificial amniotic fluid on bowel development. Ideally, the EXTrauterine Environment for Neonatal Development (EXTEND) will provide physiologic support to the extreme premature infant. An important component of that environment is the amniotic fluid. Thus, we developed an animal model to study the growth factors found within amniotic fluid and inform design of a synthetic fluid to optimize fetal development. We designed a model of amniotic fluid exchange within the pregnant rabbit, continuously removing the natural fluid from around 2 fetuses per doe and replacing it with a physiologic electrolyte solution during the final 100 h of gestation. Two fetuses from the contralateral uterine horn were used as sham-operated controls. Thirty-eight fetuses were analyzed, 19 in each group. We analyzed the fetal growth and bowel development. Ultrasound after 100 h of exchange showed equivalent fluid volumes, p = 0.63. Cultures were negative for bacterial colonization. Final fluid protein concentrations were 11.6% that of control fluid (mean 1,451 ± 224.2 vs. 12,491 ± 849.2 μg/mL). There was no significant difference in fetal growth, with experimental weights 91.4% of control weights, p = 0.07. Fetal bowel weights (90.1%, p = 0.16) and lengths (94.2%, p = 0.49) were also not significantly less compared to controls. There was no significant difference in villous height or crypt depth measurements between the groups, and absorptive capacity of the bowel was not different between groups, p = 0.44. This animal model allows for manipulation of the components of amniotic fluid. Marked reduction of natural amniotic fluid proteins during gestation does not appear to significantly impair fetal growth or bowel development. Further work with this model will assess the importance of amniotic fluid components for normal development to inform design of a synthetic fluid for use during EXTEND.
Sections du résumé
In this model article, we present a protocol for continuous amniotic fluid exchange in rabbits using a novel system to test the effects of growth factor-deficient, artificial amniotic fluid on bowel development.
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Ideally, the EXTrauterine Environment for Neonatal Development (EXTEND) will provide physiologic support to the extreme premature infant. An important component of that environment is the amniotic fluid. Thus, we developed an animal model to study the growth factors found within amniotic fluid and inform design of a synthetic fluid to optimize fetal development.
METHODS
METHODS
We designed a model of amniotic fluid exchange within the pregnant rabbit, continuously removing the natural fluid from around 2 fetuses per doe and replacing it with a physiologic electrolyte solution during the final 100 h of gestation. Two fetuses from the contralateral uterine horn were used as sham-operated controls. Thirty-eight fetuses were analyzed, 19 in each group. We analyzed the fetal growth and bowel development.
RESULTS
RESULTS
Ultrasound after 100 h of exchange showed equivalent fluid volumes, p = 0.63. Cultures were negative for bacterial colonization. Final fluid protein concentrations were 11.6% that of control fluid (mean 1,451 ± 224.2 vs. 12,491 ± 849.2 μg/mL). There was no significant difference in fetal growth, with experimental weights 91.4% of control weights, p = 0.07. Fetal bowel weights (90.1%, p = 0.16) and lengths (94.2%, p = 0.49) were also not significantly less compared to controls. There was no significant difference in villous height or crypt depth measurements between the groups, and absorptive capacity of the bowel was not different between groups, p = 0.44.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
This animal model allows for manipulation of the components of amniotic fluid. Marked reduction of natural amniotic fluid proteins during gestation does not appear to significantly impair fetal growth or bowel development. Further work with this model will assess the importance of amniotic fluid components for normal development to inform design of a synthetic fluid for use during EXTEND.
Identifiants
pubmed: 32877895
pii: 000509247
doi: 10.1159/000509247
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
939-946Informations de copyright
© 2020 S. Karger AG, Basel.