RENAL ABNORMALITIES IN RAT FETUSES EXPOSED TO DOXORUBICIN

ABSTRACTPurpose: A rat model of the VATER (vertebral defects, anal atresia, tracheo-esophageal fistula with esophageal atresia, renal defects and radial limb dysplasia) association was created by exposing fetuses to doxorubicin early in gestation. Most fetuses had an absent bladder with ureters that were grossly dilated. We determined the effect of this absent bladder on kidneys development, particularly whether dysplasia was evident.Materials and Methods: Nine timed pregnant rats were injected intraperitoneally with doxorubicin at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight on days 6 to 9 of gestation. The control group of 3 rats received saline. Fetuses were recovered on day 21 and examined macroscopically. Quantitative measurements were taken of renal wet and dry weights, renal length and ureteral diameter. Serial sections were then taken and stained alternately with hematoxylin and eosin or trichrome. The kidneys were compared under light microscopy. Comparisons between control and treated groups were made with the...