Effect of Congenital Hydrocephalus on Cortical Structure in the H-Tx Rat

The H-Tx rat develops severe congenital hydrocephalus with an incidence of approximately 70%. The condition develops in late gestation and is noticeable outwardly after birth by doming of the skull. It progresses rapidly, with onset of symptoms appearing after weaning and death at 6–7 weeks of age. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of hydrocephalus on cortical thickness and the developing microvasculature and cell density (neurons + glia) in the cerebral cortex.