Glomerular permeability in the fetal rabbit

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine fetal age differences in glomerular permeability using a graded series of dextrans (Pharmacia, Inc., Uppsala, Sweden). The dextran fractions were highly purified and consisted of the following sizes: T-10, T-40 and T-110 (10,000, 40,000 and 110,000 M.W. respectively). The foundation for this study was the work of Caulfield and Farquhar, who showed, using a graded series of dextrans, that the basement membrane was the definitive barrier to permeability.A total of 120 fetuses of pregnant New Zealand white rabbits at the following periods of gestation: 20, 22, 24, 28 days and one day old neonates were utilized. Accurate determination of each fetus' developmental stage was based on weight and crown-rump measurements made at the time of sacrifice. Pregnant rabbits were anesthesized with 20% urethane (ethyl carbamate) and a longitudinal incision was made in the shaved lower abdomen. A small incision was placed in the exposed uterus which penetrated the amniotic sac allowing for removal of the fetus. Viability of the fetus was essential and each fetus remained attached to the placenta throughout the course of dextran injection.