Ossification Of Vertebral Bodies Research Articles

Transient inhibition of DNA synthesis by methotrexate, in the rat embryo and foetus

ABSTRACT Massive doses of methotrexate, a folic acid inhibitor, followed by folinic acid, the specific antagonist, have been used to produce a period in which the embryo and foetus are exposed to tetrahydrofolate deficiency with subsequent inhibition of DNA synthesis. The effects of this inhibition vary at different stages of gestation, and in late foetal life provide a useful method of inducing a delay in the appearance of vertebral body ossification centres. This defect is rapidly repaired, although there may be permanent sequelae. It is hoped that this technique will be useful in the study of cellular events in ‘catch-up’ growth.

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita.

In 29 patients spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED) congenita, an heritable bone dysplasia, was manifest at birth with small stature and retarded ossification of vertebral bodies, pelvis, and extremities. In later childhood characteristic changes include flattening and dysplasia of vertebral bodies, odontoid hypoplasia, pelvic dysplasia, and underossification of the femoral head and neck with varus deformity. Shortened long tubular bones exhibit varied degrees of epiphyseal and metaphyseal changes. Myopia and retinal detachment are important clinical findings in many patients. SED congenita is differentiated from Morquio's disease by roentgen features, its dominant mode of inheritance, lack of corneal clouding, and keratosulfaturia.