Renal anomalies in the VATER animal model

Abstract

Background Purpose: Renal anomalies are a prominent feature of the VATER association. Administration of Adriamycin to timed-pregnant rats resulted in a spectrum of anomalies similar to the human VATER association. The aim of this study is to describe the renal anomalies in the Adriamycin animal model. Methods: Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with Adriamycin intraperitoneally at a dose of 2 mg/kg on days 6 through 9 of gestation. Full-term fetuses were fixed in Bouin's solution and serial transverse sections were analyzed by light microscopy. All specimens were compared with suitable controls. Results: In experimental animals, renal anomalies were found in 98% of the examined fetuses. Bilateral hydroureteronephrosis with kinking of the ureters was obvious. Ureteric atresia led to obstructive uropathy. Bladder agenesis occurred in all experimental animals. Mesonephric ducts were seen joining a proximally blind-ending urethra in male animals. In females both paramesonephric ducts ended blindly after joining each other, and this resulted in vaginal atresia. In association with imperforate anus, a recto-urethral and a recto-urogenital fistula was seen in male and female fetuses, respectively. Conclusions: Bladder agenesis was an important feature in the Adriamycin animal model. Bilateral hydronephrosis resulted from blind-ending ureters. J Pediatr Surg 36:1693-1697. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.